Words To a Poacher
This once majestic creature - its form
now a dried hide stretched over mutilated bones.
As defenseless in death, as it was in life,
its tusks hacked from its noble skull.
Its ear rests serenely on its shoulder
among dead sticks the carcass testifies
to the barbarity of evil men
front legs folded back where it heaved in agony-
gave its last breath to vile humanity.
Who can explain to children, the reality of
their storybook elephants or zoo friends?
Out in the wild places, even when protected
they succumb to greed and avarice.
Someday the spaces of Africa will be filled
with extinction.
4/7/2016
For Silent Ones
Images that make you think - #2
3rd Place
Copyright © Suzanne Delaney | Year Posted 2016
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