Elephant
The flapping folds of sagging skin
The grey leathery hide
Wrinkled and well lived-in
Doused in dust, masked in mud
A time-old treatment
To bring relief from a burning sun
Hang roughly from the bulky frame
Loosely draped across the dome
Of the massive head
Which swings slowly side to side
Ears flapping, fanning
Trunk waving, prehensile
Tusks pointing, threatening
Towards the source of any danger
The eyes in shadow, thick-hooded
Liquid pools of darkness
The lashes long and thick
Black protective strands
Covering the crinkled lids
Hiding deep wells of thought
That may be windows into memory
Ancient mental pathways
Deep voices of the bulls
Rumbling through the bush
Like grumbling stomachs
Communicating with the herd
And the browsing family group
To keep the cows and calves close by
Gentle parental protests
Of these pachyderms
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