It has no effect on them, the zookeeper replied,
when asked about the rhino’s missing horn.
Better dehorned than dead.
Saw it off now before they come in the night
to murder and dethrone your crowning glory
to be ground into magical cure-all powder
or carved into obscene jeweled daggers
to adorn a prince’s empty existence.
Just remove the profit motive.
How easy it sounds, when we pretend
to know all possible effects,
what pain is to another.
Who knows the wild heart of a rhino?
Does he still see a rhino in the pool’s reflection?
Can you save the animal
without losing the soul?
Just one of the poems from my new collection Death at the Mall, just published by Kelsay Books (kelsaybooks.com) and available wherever books are sold.
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
Gosh, what a photo. She looks so sad.
Gene – What a lovely poem and heartbreaking picture! I’m going to get your book! Hope you’re well. Best, Penny P.
Thanks, Penny!
“Who knows the wild heart of a rhino?” Great question. But butchery for no damned good reason doesn’t serve magic or us. Write on.
Thanks, Gavin!
I loved the poem before this post. And it really hits home even more because of the photo.
Again, congrats on the publication. Wishing you all the best and hopefully you’ll compose and publish many more collections!
Thanks, Kate!