Elephants in chains
training for rides or photos
bullhooks prodding neck

Author Note: Elephants are sentient beings who live in families. Humans kill them for ivory and skin and feet to be made into tables. Humans steal their babies and chain them, alone, stretched out to break their spirit. They prod them with bullhooks or burn them, starve them to get them to follow orders. Some religions paint them and parade them for religious ceremonies. Humans want to make money from them through photo opportunities and rides. Sometimes, they prod a stick sideways into their sensitive trunk and give them a paintbrush to sell the painting (it is painful). No care is taken for their feet or hide or feelings. Don't help cruelty to continue to the gentle elephant. Mostly, it is Asian elephants, but African ones are also captured. We are slowly ending animal circuses.
Copyright ยฉ 12/13/2024 by Andrea O. Corwin
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About the Creator
Andrea Corwin
๐Wildlife ๐งโโ๏ธ ๐๏ธ๐ท๏ธ 3rdยฐ๐ฅ See nature through my eyes and photos.
Poetry, haiku, fiction, horror, life experiences. Written without A.I. ยฉ Andrea O. Corwin
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Threads/ Instagram @andicorwin
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions




Comments (15)
Great writing sbout a significant issue. Helps spread awareness that they are ourveqyals not subjects
Very sad. Thanks for speaking up, Andrea
I felt this one deeply. I once saw an elephant do a headstand at a circus. It was really sad. I was done with the circus after that. I support this message!
A heartbreaking truth. Thank you, Andrea.
Oh, my heart. ๐ช
Elephants are truly incredible!
Our persistent cruelty to animals does not speak well of humanity, and suggests that the word humane needs a different root since humans are anything but. Again, loved your Haiku, but distressed by the subject matter.
Wow, this poem really packs a punch! Youโve nailed the powerful message in such a raw way. Itโs a solid reminder to be kind and stop the cruelty. Great job! ๐๐
This was powerful, its an issue we need to address. Thanks for writing about this, Andrea! ๐
Aww ๐ฅบ nice haiku to bring awareness.
I hope all abuse against animals could be stopped ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ
Poaching is a persistent problem, indeed. And elephants are one of my faves. They're so smart! A lovely haiku.
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Your advocacy for the poor pachyderms is compelling!
I love elephant, I did not know that's how they are treated and trained