(Elephants killed for ivory by poachers are an endangered species)
Great grandmother
Matriarch of African elephant herd
Most female
Daughters, aunts and cousins
Bull calves too young to fend for themselves.
She led them place to place
Throughout seasons of the years
Wise, gentle and compassionate
Knowing where to find waterholes and food.
Poachers after ivory
Creep deadly with the dawn
Shooting Matriarch with poison arrows
Trumpeting in panic she rushes the herd away.
Dying, stands supported by two daughters
Wanting to save her life
But sinks upon her belly
Distraught elephants group around her.
She is dead and herd grieves her loss
Daughters struggling to lift her
Hours pass and they refuse to leave
Mourning the great Matriarch.
Days pass and finally the herd moves on
Led by a daughter, new Matriarch
Leading them to waterholes
Finding food and water throughout the seasons.
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