Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

Nicely composed nonet. I love the majestic elephant and have several paintings and images of them. You've described them beautifully here. They are always in grave danger and need our protection. Marilyn

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 01-Dec-2016

There is nothing quite like seeing elephants in the wild. They are intuitve with a 6th or even 7th sense that we cannot even begin to comprehend and they are being killed daily by poachers for their tusks. My husband and I have started an antipoaching project using drones here in Tanzania. We fundraised the money to buy the expensive drones, reconned the parks, carried out trials, dealt with all levels of the government . You would think a cost free solution to this problem the gov't would be welcoming with open arms, but that is not the case. sigh. There is a very good author called Lawrence Anthony aka the elephant whisperer and he tells of his struggles to protect the elephants and northern rhinos from the brink of extinction. He encountered the very same blocks we do. When he died, 2 groups of elephants that he saved, travelled miles to his house single file, stayed at his house for a couple days then left. How could these wild animals have known that their benefactor had died, then to perform an obvious 'wake' astounds me no end. True stories and an insightful glimpse of this tragedy happening with our wild life. Thanks for the review. cheers, j ps if we could stop the poaching and allow the elephants to procreate, this story could have a very happy and essential ending.

reply by BeasPeas on 02-Dec-2016

I voted for your terrific poem. You and your husband are to be commended for your work to try to save the elephants. It's just like a government not to use an inexpensive device for surveillance of poachers. The drones sound like an excellent tool to use. I did read the heartwarming story on-line about Anthony Lawrence and how these amazing elephants trekked so far to honor him. Congratulations for winning second place. Marilyn

Comment from schatzling

Exceptional

I am literally taken away by your Nonet.
It is so beautifully written the reality of it all; it is so deep....makes you think of the Elephant and what life they lead and what brings them to their death....humans that are greedy and do not care about anything but themselves. These creatures that God made that are more intelligent than any human could ever be.
I fell in love with your poem. It makes me extremely sad. I wish I personally could do more for this beautiful creature of God.
I would also like to take a moment to sincerely thank you for using my abstract type of painting of this baby elephant of mine. It fits so perfectly with your Nonet.
Thank you ever so much for selecting it. I am honored.
Thank you for sharing.
I wish you the best at the voting booth.
You got my vote.
It is so good I decided to give you the highest rating I am possible to give you and I can because I have enough to give one to you.....no virtual 6 for you.....YOU DESERVE the real thing.

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2016

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reply by the author on 01-Dec-2016

Thanks for your insightful, heartfelt review, your perfect artwork and the sparkly 6 stars. I chose your artwork because it has a feel of cave drawings and elephants have been around forever. They are truly majestic beings and have a 6th or even 7th sense that we humans cannot even begin to understand. My husband and I are working on an antipoaching project here in Tanzania to protect the remaining elephants. They are on the brink of extinction from poaching and that breaks my heart. Google the 'Elephant Whisperer' to see how incredibly intuitive they are. I am now reading another book by the same author Anthony Lawrence and his desperate race to save the few Northern rhinos in the Congo. Our wildlife and oceans are in serious need of compassion right now. Thanks for caring, it made me happy. judester

reply by schatzling on 02-Dec-2016

You are more than welcome.

Comment from persevere

Excellent

This nonet certainly conveys the majestic character and stature of these wonderful animals. They do seem 'anciently wise' and are such caring creatures.

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 30-Nov-2016

Thanks for the review. Elephants have a sixth, maybe 7th sense that we can not even begin to understand.My husband and I are working on an antipoaching project here in Tanzania using drones. The elephants are on the brink of extinction, killed for their tusks. They are majestic, loving and could teach us so much. Google the elephant whisperer and you will see, I am reading another book by the same author, Lawrence Anthony called The last Rhinos and the story of his desperate race to save the last Northern Rhinos in Africa. We must protect our wildlife. ps this is the same guy that saved the caged zoo animals in Iraq that were left to die cruelly. judester

Comment from barleygirl

Exceptional

Excellent nonet, a poetic form I especially enjoy. Your enjambment flows perfectly & your message is an important one that I wholeheartedly subscribe to. The occasional rhymes feel natural & well-placed. Good luck in the contest!

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2016

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reply by the author on 30-Nov-2016

Thanks for the wonderful review and encouraging 6 stars barleygirl. Elephants are dear to my heart. My husband and I are working on an antipoaching project here in Tanzania. I have learned so much about these cosmic animals that posess a 6th and maybe 7th sense that we cannot even begn to comprehend. They are on the brink of extinction because of poaching and that would be a real shame to lose them. judester

reply by barleygirl on 01-Dec-2016

Thank you for the additional share. Very interesting . . . I admire you for your good works (((HUGS)))