ELEPHANT




Watercolor by Barry Pariser

 

There must be a reason

The giant, hulking

Elephant

Stands silently

With aching shoulders

And grey, tired eyes.

Has he seen too much?

From his lofty view

Above the tall grass

Has he taken in all

The light and loss

His world has to offer.

Has there been

Too many trumpeted calls

To fight to survive

Or maybe flee

For the sake of another tomorrow.

Now he is tired and mostly

Glad to be ignored.

Then on rare occasion

A young male stands near him

And seemingly by sheer proximity

Tries to absorb his solitary strength.

Our giant from a time long past,

Stands very still and
Simply closes his eyes.