Jennifer Proxenos Poet Rhyme

Thirsty Gentle Giants

THIRSTY GENTLE GIANTS

Animals dread a drought!
As do Elephants 
Who are heavier and more stout,
They need to find water fast,
Before poachers find them
And become History
Once lived, now past!
Elephants are patient with
Their young, they are slow
As their little legs
Are short and low.
Nature is harsh,
A calf could get 
Stuck in a marsh!
Lions always stalk an 
Elephant who is dehydrated
Or a calf in a marsh!
Like a squadron of soldiers have
Everything calculated,
Exhausted, the elephant
Will fall down,
His Majesty still wears the crown!
Wild dogs are 
Waiting in line,
Baby elephants 
That straggle behind,
Certainly make a fine dine!
Calves are inquisitive and stray,
Mom and Nannies make sure they 
Don’t stray too far away,
Like all young, they love to play
But must be found,
As deadly predators 
Are lurking around!
Gently they push them back into
The herd,
And continue their journey, leaving
Behind a lot of turd!
For dung beetles this is a treasure,
And an absolute pleasure,
As they roll some into a 
Golf ball size, and here lay their 
Eggs, and once buried
Await for them to hatch
But far away from 
The elephant’s patch!
Water at last, 
But the males drink first,
No matter if the rest 
Of the herd thirst.
Elephants are not the only ones
At this river-bed.
Fight for possession
Of water includes
Crocodiles, hippos lions, leopards 
And more, who’s acute
Senses have also led
Them, to the same river-bed!
Elephants gorge themselves
Despite that predators are in
Their immediate sight
For they would put up a fight!
Water has brought reprieve,
And relief,
For all animals, the vulnerable
And predators alike,
Water is the essence of life,
On planet earth for one and all,
It needs to hopefully, always,
Be on tap and on call,
It’s abundance can strengthen,
But lack of, can certainly threaten!

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November 19, 2018 at 7:16 AM Wild life is so amazing!. Thank you for this wonderful poem Jenny. Kim Jennifer Proxenos November 19, 2018 at 11:19 AM Elephants and Lions, my favs. Love my wildlife trips maybe even more than seaside holidays! Thanks Kim xoxo, Jennifer

Paul Callus November 8, 2018 at 8:00 AM Being well informed of and loving animals is certainly something which you don't lack, Jennifer! And living in your part of the world must make that also a necessity. Enjoyed reading this poem which is an eye-opener to those who don't realize how important it is to respect nature. ~ Warm regards // paul Jennifer Proxenos November 8, 2018 at 8:39 AM Hi Paul, Yes I love my wildlife Paul, and visiting the park after a fire or during a drought is heartbreaking. These poor animals are dying of thirst, but elephants have an incredible sense of smell for water, and tend to return to their same oasis annually, but some die along their migration, only the strongest survive. Also baby elephants do not have the strength for these long treks and some unfortunately don't arrive at the desired destination, as the herd, and even the mother abandon them, because they have to move on for their own self preservation. Warm regards, Jennifer

Rico Leffanta November 7, 2018 at 2:25 PM Another great write for a children's book! I don't know about Africa, but it is absolutely amazing how little time it took Europeans to pollute America's vast lakes, rivers, and streams! It seems everyone born this century will be drinking flavoured plastic! Aloha! Rico Jennifer Proxenos November 7, 2018 at 3:43 PM Hi Rico, Perhaps i'll write the gist of the story and you add the humour, oh, i could also do the illustrations as another hobby of mine is sketching cartoon characters! My worry is about our children's children, our grandchildren will they have to face one day? best wishes, Yasou! Jennifer.

Mahtab Bangalee November 7, 2018 at 4:58 AM Activities and usefulness of water and animals are described here astutely /// great Jennifer Proxenos November 7, 2018 at 6:20 AM Thank-you for your comment Mahtab, My husband and I truly enjoy the wild and go to the Kruger National Park at least three times a year. Absolutely hooked - we can watch elephants for hours and never tire, especially the baby elephants, they are adorable! Best wishes, Jennifer.

Tom Cunningham November 7, 2018 at 2:48 AM We take so much for granted, just turn on the tap and you've got a lake. Yet some parts of the world struggle in the devastating droughts. Enjoyed your safari. Tom. Tom Cunningham November 7, 2018 at 7:05 AM Beautiful creatures indeed, saw them in Tsavo national park all covered in red sand dust. Would love to go to South Africa, I hear you have some great national parks. Jennifer Proxenos November 7, 2018 at 6:27 AM Hi Tom, that we do! Animals unfortunately are the most vulnerable in a drought, and here in South Africa, we sometimes have long periods without rain - feel so sorry for these huge gentle looking animals, you can almost see their ribs as is the case of course with all the other animals in the park, but Elephants are my favorite! Best wishes, Jennifer.