Ode to an Elephant

I feel disconcerted, my conscience is guilt-ridden,

As if a weight upon my heart stops me from walking around freely.

For in the depths of my mind, I see time and again,

The plight of a magnificent creature as you.

 

Oh, majestic mammal, noble and wise,

Your presence in this world makes it a true paradise.

But alas, the travails you face are unfathomable,

The tragedy of your life is unjustifiable.

 

In distant lands where the rains pour down life,

You roam the vast forests in graceful ways.

With gentle footsteps in harmony with nature,

You brought richness to the diversity in the woods.

 

Yet unforeseen mishaps befell you,

For greed has cast its shadow on you, dark and cold,

Poachers lurking in the shadows with cruel intent,

Encroachers taking up trails trod by your ancestors.

 

I cannot perceive the anguish you endure,

The pain of getting trapped in a pit, separation from the clan,

The endless works you're made to do,

The lonely days and nights spent in utter despair.

 

Oh sentient being, how do you cling to that cognisant consciousness inside,

Holding generational wisdom and immense love,

Yet, tamed by a tiny creature, compromising all sense of comfort or freedom,

Hiding a sea of emotions in those perpetually wet eyes?

 

Oh, gentle giant, may your spirit endure,

May the world awaken to the beauty you embody.

May you get to fulfil the saga of untamed treks,

May your legacy speak for yourself.

 

For deep wisdom adorns your grandeur,

For you symbolise resilience, unity and a die hard spirit,

For you hold love and the kindred close to heart,

For you feel all fervours as intensely as any.

 

As you walk on the shadowless tarred road against the raging sun,

Taking each step on the tip of the bullhook,

As tears trickle down spreading all over your face,

For you, noble one, I wish, may all the wrongs be undone.

 

(Inspired by "Ode to a Nightingale" by John Keats)

Ms. Renjitha. K. R, Assistant Professor of English, Al Shifa College of Arts & Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna