THE STORY OF BABY ELLIE


Ellie was just three months old,
When she was brought to our sanctuary,
A safe haven was our fold.
She was an orphan, her mother,
Her sister, her aunt, her brother,
All chased and shot, and left to die,
From our sad experience we knew,
That probably a foul mouthed, 
Red faced, sun frazzled man
Whose muscled legs would look   
Disgusting, 
And who with red eyes bulging
Would say,
What a booty,
We have in the truck today.
He would generate an excitement,
Of the atrocity they had
Committed, saying they would
Receive a bonus this month 
Added to their pay.
And what was their booty,
A truck full of tusks
Elephants killed when it
Was still light,
Until dusk
Too dangerous at night.
A war between poachers
And rangers
How could rangers,
Gentle souls, who loved animals,
Equal the poachers trained brutality,
Who had not a trace
Of humanity.
Baby Ellie
Was found,
Starving, scared and cold,
Somewhere in the African bush
Almost dead,
But she survived a shot to the head.
We had other young orphans,
They all would play
As baby elephants do,
And slowly Ellie became stronger.
Her mummy who faced
Horrific slaughter, 
Would have been so proud of 
Her daughter.
Rehabilitation was done,
It was both work and fun.
Eight months later we all
Thought that it was time,
For Ellie to be with her own kind,
And knew she would find
In the African bush, a new
Family who would care
And love her.
Clumsily she got into the truck,
Perhaps it was fear that
Brought the smell of death near,
Awkwardly.
And hesitantly she walked
Down the ramp,
A mama elephant spied her first,
And with their recognizable gait,
And heavy weight,
Walked to one another,
Swinging their trunks,
And so, they met,
And side by side they walked
To the nearby water pan,
Our hearts sang,
As Ellie turned and let out
A loud,
But proud,
Thunderous trumpet,
Thank you she meant,
I love you too.
Ellie had finally
Come home,
To her own.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Beaufort Avatar
March 1, 2024 at 1:45 PM
Wow Jennifer, this brings tears to my eyes. This is what we were talking about...that people let their individual economic benefit outstrip any sense of morality and concern for the whole. I often wonder if civilization survives, what will they think 100 years from now if watching films that portray how we live right now. I think they will be horrified.
Poet Avatar
February 15, 2024 at 11:16 AM
Dear Jenny, this captivating narrative evokes profound emotions as it sheds light on the detrimental consequences of poaching and the insatiable pursuit of wealth, which jeopardize the lives of numerous innocent animals and drive them towards the brink of extinction. However, amidst the sorrowful tale, we are granted a glimmer of hope in the form of a gratifying resolution. Congratulations on achieving the prestigious recognition as the poem of the day.
Riabi Dziri Avatar
February 12, 2024 at 7:28 AM
A narrative poetry weaved by my soul poetic sister Jenny! How spontaneously and beautifully you write! The sky is the limit to your soaring imagination! So sensitive is your poetic mind and heart! I so much missed you dear friend.. and reading your creativity is a true treat.. thank you so much for sharing what adds to the soul! You inspire wherever you set your fire! Congratulations on your POTD honour! A well earned recognition and acknowledgement! My warmest wishes for a happy thriving life. Stay always blessed and safe. Love and hugs.
Callus Avatar
February 7, 2024 at 12:02 PM
This is a beautiful narrative that pulls at the strings of the heart, dear Jenny! Poaching and greed for money put so many inncent animals at risk of death and possible extinction. In this case, after the heartache, we are offered a happy ending. Congrats on p.o.t.d. Warm regards & hugs, my friend // paul
Roper Avatar
February 2, 2024 at 10:47 AM
Jen, such a beautiful moving heartfelt poem. Congratulations on your POTD ... hugs and love your way
Rone Avatar
January 29, 2024 at 9:33 AM
Jennifer: I so look forward to all your pieces. I value the efforts you apply and am fortunate that you capture your passions and share them with us. Best - Ken
Ashley Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 6:12 PM
Dear Jennifer, as a Nature and animal lover, I am very deeply moved by the poignant beauty, the heartache, and the triumph depicted in your tremendous poem. Your golden pen spills tears and gold upon the poetic page. So expressive, so tender.. and so enraging for what brutal poachers will do for money! I miss you, my sweet poetry sis, I'm so glad to see you back with POTD honors! Congratulations, your creative brilliance shines like the noon day sun. Warmest wishes my inspiring friend.. ~Susan
La France Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 5:18 PM
Jennifer, amazing, I have tears reading your story/poem, it is extraordinary, I love animals too. A FAV for me. Congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY honor, Constance
De Beaulieu Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Hello Jennifer, loh this is a heart touching poem. I enjoyed to read. I hope all is well with you. Hugs. /Darlene/
Nicole Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 4:15 PM
Yes, ' rehabilitation was done, ' and her mother would have been so proud. This is tender, emotional and beautiful, all at the same time. Your words caress softly around me and my heart. It takes one act of kindness, to make a big difference. Congratulations Jennifer, on Poem of the Day. Many wonderful blessings to you, my sweet friend. Hugs, Brandy
Rodgers Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 2:38 PM
Jennifer, Congrats POTD. This is a powerful and moving tribute to resilience and the enduring bond of family. Your words show raw emotion that transport the reader to Ellie's journey, from the heart-wrenching loss to the triumphant reunion. Your poem reflects respect for both the fragility of life and the enduring power of nature. I particularly admire how you show harsh realities of poaching with the gentle hope of Ellie's recovery. - Blessings, Daniel
Anaya Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 11:35 AM
Congratulations on your POTD Jennifer Proxenos! Your message well received in such a powerful poem. "A truck full of tusks" heart wrenching. The keys of a piano. As ivory became illegal, piano corporations started switching to making their keys out of plastic. A valued luxury we could do without. "Elephant Whisperers" best short documentary!
Rodrigues Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 10:38 AM
What a wonderful pick for POTD! A fave! So profoundly sad and hopeful in the end. Love the proud sound oh her trumpet Trunk you leave us with and thoughts of her mother. Congratulations, Jennifer!!
Andresen Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 10:23 AM
- Glad it ended well for baby Ellie....horrible what people do to make money...sad story dear Jenny - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. :) - hugs
Kaufman Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 9:58 AM
Dear Jennifer, Thank you for bringing the dire plight of elephants to mind with this well thought of poem. Congratulations for the POTD honor as well. Enjoy your weekend.
Baker Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 9:18 AM
Congratulations on your POTD, Jen. A terrible tragedy followed by a beautiful story of love, caring, recovery, and then love again ... of Ellie kind. An important message to the world of what is happening to elephants just for their tusks, because of greed. A FAV for my list! Enjoy your special day of recognition, my dear friend. Bill
May Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 8:17 AM
Sad that so many elephants are killed by poachers, glad that rescue organizations are there to help those who survive, Congrats on POTD
Greenhough Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 8:14 AM
I send a well deserved congratulations for this POTD. I hope the outcry against the killing of elephants and sales of ivory continues with even more vehemence. Thank you so much for your love of these animals. The poem goes to my heart.
Goldsmith Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 8:11 AM
Back with congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading your wonderful yet very sad write/story again. A great ending. Have a blessed day writing away with your win....................
Fowler Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 6:48 AM
Wow Jennifer. Such heart-felt story-telling. Your description of the poachers versus the rangers is terrific. A great POTD! Congratulations! :)
Sharma  Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 6:40 AM
Dear Jennifer, this is such a heartfelt and aching yet a strengthening write as described in your ending lines.It's such a disheartening reality that these innocent animals are living in the fear of being hunted for materialistic utilities.It's purely painstaking and you've described those emotions so poignantly here..But, I'm very glad that in the end, Baby Ellie got united with her new family..The imprints of tragic incidents remain always, but the triumph in the end brings empathetic smile..
Kitchin Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 5:58 AM
Jennifer, a wonderful, heartfelt story, congratulations on POTD,
Jones Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 4:38 AM
So tragic yet incredibly inspiring. Congratulations on potd.
Edmonds  Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 2:23 AM
A sad yet beautiful story Jennifer, so pleased to read Ellie survived and found a mother to walk beside. Congratulations on receiving poem of the day. Beryl
Messina Avatar
January 28, 2024 at 2:12 AM
Very nice story/write, Jennifer. The happy ending put a smile on my face. So sad though...Congratulations on POTD, dear friend. Hugs Charlie
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