Greatest Gift on Earth

THE GREATEST GIFT ON EARTH

 

We once saw an African elephant give birth.

An  adventure filled with excitement and mirth.

She rallied against her anguish & pain,

with a ferocity that seemed ordained.

She charged at the landrover from where we observed,

that left us shaky and  slightly  unnerved.

She turned in circles and stomped the ground in vain.

Initially we looked upon her with pity reserved for the insane.

Then her misery became apparent as the birthing began.

We were going to be privy to a sight so rare to man.

Kneeling upon the ground as if in furious prayer,

She pushed and bellowed... a sight so rare.

But where was the herd to surround her and assist?.

The warmth  and security of family was most surely missed

She stood slowly as the baby began to emerge,

And towards  covered ground she started to lurch.

She stoically disappeared  behind the   growth,

As we  awaited eagerly and quietly  gave a toast,

To  the miracle  of life that was yet to unfold .

We reflected on this species that was ages old,

And hoped this lone cow was not an omen to be,

Of man's greedy destruction of a species  for all eternity.

Her silhouette became apparent between the trees.

She seemed relaxed now as she moved with ease.

She cocked her head a bit and eyed the ground,

And gingerly lifted her forefoot, pushing a lil' gray mound .

Her massive foot gently cradled it's wrinkled rear,

As it balanced on wobbly forelegs , a sight so dear!

For hours she patiently nudged her baby to it's feet,

Only to see it totter and fall down with defeat.

An elephant's eyes are deep pools of emotion,

Her eyes on that day radiated love and devotion.

We once saw an african elephant give birth

To me, it was one of the greatest gifts  on earth.