Elephant Vigil 2023

[Julie A. Dickson]

I have been honored for the third year in a row to write poems for the International Elephant Vigil, remembering all those elephants that died in captivity- zoos and circuses, as well as those fortunate enough to have spent their last days in sanctuary. See attachments.
I have been an elephant advocate for more than 20 years. I support many elephant organizations, including those sanctuaries in the US, Brazil, Thailand and Africa.

Not my baby

Giving birth alone -
where are my sisters, my mother
who should be around me touching,
supporting me during my time,

soothing my spasm-wracked body,
awaiting the arrival of my son,
but I am alone with only humans,
the same humans who hurt me,

cause my ears to bleed, starving me
so I perform tricks that cause more pain.

I give birth, he rushes forth -
words and screams of delight burst
from their mouths like afterbirth.

I stand and watch him struggle
to unsteady feet, my trunk pushes
away hands, don’t touch him I want
to shout, if I had words; my rumble
causes their hands to fall back.

After a few days, I know his fate.
Humans don’t see yet; I will lose him,
his lifeless body will lie beneath mine
until hands pull him away. I cry

but not only for his tiny soul, he only
had days with me, enough to capture
my heart. They will not have him,
not my baby. I also cry for his release.


Julie A. Dickson
2023 Elephant Vigil

* A great percentage of those elephants born to mothers in captivity do not survive.
No zoos can provide an environment large enough to meet the needs of an elephant; many exist alone, without a herd, in a life of abuse, neglect and loneliness.

 

[Obed Ladiny]

Congrats Julie!
The poem Not My Baby is a moving piece and gives elephants a voice! I noticed other poems by you there. Nice work!

 

[Julie A. Dickson]

Thanks Obed!
captive elephants really need a voice, as humans have exploited them for hundreds of years. Many countries and areas have discontinued animal services in Lieu of human services with acrobats and other acts.
With the hope of many of the organizations I am in touch with we advocate for captive elephants in the hopes, that many of them can be relinquish to sanctuaries to finish out their lives there.

 

[Obed Ladiny]

Thanks Obed!
captive elephants really need a voice, as humans have exploited them for hundreds of years. Many countries and areas have discontinued animal services in Lieu of human services with acrobats and other acts.
With the hope of many of the organizations I am in touch with we advocate for captive elephants in the hopes, that many of them can be relinquish to sanctuaries to finish out their lives there.

We humans love to exploit and take advantage where ever. I've watched elephants. They are smart and emotional creatures.