Matriarch Poem by Colin Ian Jeffery

Matriarch
(Elephants killed for ivory --- endangered species)

Great grandmother, Matriarch of African elephant herd
Mostly female, daughters, aunts, cousins
Bull calves too young to fend for themselves.
She has led them place to place following the seasons
Wise, gentle, compassionate, knowing the waterholes.
Poachers after ivory creep deadly with the dawn
Shooting Matriarch with poison arrows stealing her tusks
Trumpeting in panic she rushes the herd to safety.
Dying, stands supported by two daughters trying to save her
Slowly sinking to her belly as distraught herd gather around her.
Hours pass and daughters struggle trying to raise her
Dies, and herd grieves the old grandmother's loss.
Days pass, herd moves on led by daughter, new Matriarch
Leading to find food and water throughout the seasons.