When I was a child

I remember thinking

that chain around

the elephant’s leg

wasn’t strong enough.

 

Elephants are tough!

 

If he wanted, he

could free himself just

by lifting that mighty foot

shaking the metal loose

and walking away…

 

Why does he stay?

 

No-one could stop him

If he chose to go, take

his own path. No more

performance on command

- he could find some green.

 

Walk through jungles again!

 

Elephants are tough so

why does he stay, stroll

through sawdust, put up

with that lady who leans

into his ear, whispering…

 

It’s because he loves her.

 

Frances Macaulay Forde © 2011

(‘Play’ series sketch in progress for ‘All The Pretty Ones Are’ Exhibition of artworks by Jessica McCallum at the State Theatre Centre, Perth, 2011.  An Eckphastic Poem written to & exhibited with the finished Artwork.)