Free to roam
with an ivory burden,
an elephant’s longevity
is sadly uncertain,
as poachers disregard
the violent demise
of his ancient walk
and soulful eyes,
this gentle giant
graces the earth
with wisdom etched
in majestic girth.
© Brenda Aksionov 2015
[Image courtesy of Bryan Holland]
Most grateful to Bryan Holland for allowing me to publish his magnificent painting, ‘the nature of subtraction’, with my poem.