An Elephant's Last Day Out Poem by santhana louis

22nd January 2013, Tuesday
nothing historic event did happen
Rathi, the elephant, 81 years, died
0f old age at camp, Mudumalai forest.

Rathi, is not just an animal unknown
acted in main role in more than dozen films
employed till 58, in govt. service,
was drawing pension on superannuation

a magnificent model for female species
Rathi has to her credit ten male children
most of them were gifted to renowned temples
and was the foster mother for many young siblings

when it was in active service,
would bring home some deserted young ones
caring those orphans, as its own off-springs
drew universal respect from all other inmates.

during her chequered life, no diseases touched her
a robust worker, obedient, polite and good natured
her loss was felt by everyone, she worked with
well attended funeral, rituals, sobbing crowd, a real salute

………..a moving funeral, where everyone present had wept
as an outburst of genuine love,
on the death of a non-human.