Matriarch

(Elephants killed for ivory --- endangered species) Great grandmother, Matriarch of African elephant herd Mostly female, daughters, aunts, cousins With bull calves too young to fend for themselves. She leads them place to place following seasons Wise, gentle, compassionate, knowing waterholes. Poachers after ivory creep deadly with the dawn Shooting Matriarch with poison arrows Trumpeting in panic, she rushes herd to safety. Dying, stands supported by two daughters Slowly sinking to belly as herd gather round her. Hours pass, daughters trying to raise her up She dies, family grieves for the old grandmother Herd moves on led by a daughter, new Matriarch Finding food and water throughout the seasons.