Homeward Bound

The elephants were homeward bound And walked as in a dream, As if their peace were newly-found, Content to be a team... Left-right, left-right, they marched as one, Slow motion, gently paced, Beneath God's precious golden sun They travelled without haste... No point in charging dead ahead, When patience was the key... For that would merely lead to dread, With great uncertainty... The little ones among the herd, Must be protected still, Such that no troubles had occurred, Here's hoping that none will... Just look at how they live so long, Till pensioners at best And think of how they look so strong And then you'll be impressed... Thus homeward bound, the herd moves on, From day to day to day... Until, at last, the last mile's gone And home's the place they'll stay... Denis Martindale, copyright, December 2012. The poem is based on the magnificent painting by Stephen Gayford called 'Homeward Bound'. More Stephen Gayford poems here: denis-martindale-dot-blogspot-dot-com