Prayer of An African Elephant Undoubtedly king my timid friend, Of this untamed and ruthless land, You blindly search for sanctuary Within your realm; Yet know the search to be so futile. A monarch strong, though passive in the role, You yearn for peace upon a savage earth. the soil which once gave comfort to your reign, Now raises foes against your natural crown. Your tears have carved The wrinkles in your dusty flesh And left their painful scars To face the sun. Your eyes, of life and tears, Seek lasting rest, And grateful is the death that sees this won. Oh! Mammoth friend, My own eyes share your sorrow; For all your unborn children my heart cries, I pray the spirit touches your forsaken life, And protects you from the greed In mankind's eyes. Compassion rules your begging eyes As you yourself once ruled the land; How tender they now seem, As in a constant stream, Your tears confront your foe With gun in hand. How else am I to give your highness comfort? This subjects' words themselves are not enough; Take pleasure then in my eternal sorrow, As one who'd have your life And not your love. So, be at peace my weary king, For tis they who'll feel that final fatal shot; When your blood flows its final course.......... They'll mourn the king, That they shall then - Have not! June 21, 1978 |