Ellie The Elephant Poem by Denis Martindale

A local circus elephant
Was advertised for sale!
A Google search proved relevant
And showed I couldn't fail!
I drove round to the circus tent
And haggled there and then!
Not much was spent, down prices went,
Less a hundred and ten!

My trailer loaded, I drove home,
With business schemes in mind,
As long as we could weekly roam,
Some profits we would find...
The library books had much advice
On what I'd need to do
And thinking that I now was wise,
Forgot about the poo...

I wrapped a towel about my face
And shovelled poo all day!
That elephant's a real disgrace!
How much does this stuff weigh?
I bought the food in wholesale stores,
To save some pounds each week!
Back then, I wished I'd bought a horse,
To get a winning streak!

But Ellie was a cheerful soul,
As gentle as could be
And when she saw my self-control,
I think she warmed to me...
I washed her down and kept her clean,
Behind her ears as well...
I brushed her teeth and in-between,
But wondered, should I sell?

Yet Ellie's so affectionate!
With twinkles in her eyes!
She's happy here, how can I hurt
This elephant so nice?
We've been together through the years,
Two friends for all to see!
For every child that strokes her ears,
The second ride is free!


Denis Martindale, copyright, September 2012.