Ditch the ads, upload images and much more - upgrade today from 5.95/month!
Read • Contests • Groups • Learn • Forums • Store • Help
 

We will not be elephants




We will not be elephants,
though our skins may share

the same wrinkles and lines
that deepen as bodies
diminish.

We will have no need
for tails to swat swarming,
biting regrets (such pests

cannot abide the scent

of Chanel No. 5)

But we will know all the best watering
holes, having tasted them all,
And we’ll know how to drink
without the reflexive vanity
that searches each hazy reflection
for marks of mortality.

Our heads will grow rich with silver,
a treasure we will gladly collect,
slowly replacing the dull black
that never gleamed as lovely
in the moonlight.

We will not be elephants,
neither slow nor lumbering,
never covered in dust.

We will wear earrings and stylish hats.
But when it suits us,
we may travel
in herds.

 

 

 

 

 

Author notes

Prompt: Gray hair and wrinkles

A contest entry

Please tell me what you think

    : , Your review:

    Comment Suggestion: What is your your first impression? • Line numbers
    : no Cost: 0 free left 0 points, You have (?) (Line numbers)

Comments

1 - 17 of 17

  • csmmoms2
    August 24
    ?
    Edit | Reply

    Quite beautiful

    Trunkies and water and stuff. Who doesn't love elephants with those big ears and grabbing the tail in front of you. Really lovely.


  • AsIThink
    June 6

    Edit | Reply
    Great comparisons made here. Mostly we won't be elephants because we can't be...'spose someone out there wouldn't mind taking a shot a it though...lol. This is a very nice, laid back style. We may not be elephants but this piece might weigh-in like one (lol). Nice job here.


    • Mallig gold member
      June 7
      Edit | Reply
      Thanks for your comment! "Mostly we won't be elephants because we can't be..." hmmm... smart aleck I see. LMAO

      • AsIThink
        June 8
        Edit | Reply
        LOL...You're very welcome my dear (lol). Glad you could laugh at it...lol. Thanks for the feedback.

  • Danna Hobart
    March 12
    Edit | Reply
    This was wonderful. Thanks for entering.

  • Talloaks silver member
    March 8
    Edit | Reply
    Excellent metaphor LOL love it I'm there

  • madamcb
    February 25
    Edit | Reply
    Wonderful all the way through.Reflective with wisdom and humor.I loved this immensely. Thanx, conni

  • fool no1
    February 25

    Edit | Reply

    Bravo

    This is absolutely wonderful. Loved the way it all came together and the unique way you used animals to get the feeling across......Excellent...Sunshine...


  • Reptile Lady gold member
    February 24

    Edit | Reply
    What a unique take from the prompt
    I so loved your words, the wisdom and some humor too.
    The title brought it home to me !
    Now where's the bottle of dye!
    Julie

  • Sign of the Swine
    February 24

    Edit | Reply
    With age comes wisdom and experience and appreciation. I least that's what I think when I think of age. I think that everything a person can gain from age far outweighs the gleam of youth.

    Loved this write, made me think. Brilliant.


  • daviscth gold member
    February 23

    Edit | Reply
    I enjoyed reading this very much!!! It reminds me of the old poem that goes:When I am old, I shall wear purple...
    This was awesome.


  • Midnight-In-Tears
    February 23

    Edit | Reply
    Aww...all you lucky old people and your graying hair, and your not-becoming-elephants-ness.... Why do the young miss out on not being elephants? I wanna not be an elephant too!

    Captivating write, it truly present old age as something wonderful and fun, in it's own way. Sitting in a cafe drinking decaf and cheesecake (even though you know it's going straight to your hips) and gossipping with your best friends of 20 years...ah, good times to be, good times to be...

    Wait a minute, you're not even old! That just makes it all the better.


  • TillyMay
    February 23

    Edit | Reply
    We will never be elephants- and the rumour is- the elephants are relieved!
    But seriously- this is beautiful and thoughtful and I love it when a poem flows effortlessly and includes incredible phrases like:
    ...reflexive vanity
    that searches each hazy reflection
    for marks of mortality.
    Gooood stuff!


  • Peteskid gold member
    February 22

    Edit | Reply
    this one looms large like an elephant, greying is so much preferred to the alternatives including hiding from ourselves; we are as we become and wear the badges of survival well or poorly as we determine; and here it is determined to be a singular member of an able entourage...greying forward into the future...so very well done here...with spirit! ...'skid

  • Mirthryl
    February 22

    Edit | Reply
    Love the second stanza! Very nice "rich in silver...gleam[ing] in the moonlight." Entertaining similie, traveling in herds! (I've seen a few herds!)


  • JustBreathe gold member
    February 22

    Edit | Reply
    "We will not be elephants,
    neither slow nor lumbering,
    never covered in dust.

    We will wear earrings and stylish hats.
    But when it suits us,
    we may travel
    in herds."

    Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! As one whose hair is growing "rich with silver", I identify with the amazing images of this poem! To age is to become 'seasoned' with experience and wisdom. As I look into a mirror, "wrinkles and lines" remind me that I have survived and thrived from the joys and sorrows of my life. And I wear big earrings to adorn my aging wonderfulness! There are lots like me, and sometimes we do indeed travel in herds, marking our path in the dust, but not being covered by it!

    I wish you well in the contest!♥


  • secberm
    February 22

    Edit | Reply
    LOL And what's wrong with a big booty and long memory? Something memorable may happen... Something that'll turn grey hair white! LOL One.

    Dez

1 - 17 of 17