The circus came to town one day
and pulled up in Station Square.
They opened up one great big truck
as a curious crowd gathered there.
A strong and unpleasant smell emerged
quickly followed by three camels,
then came four young elephants
waving their periscope trunks in the air.

Sniffing at the air and milling round awhile
they detect a new and different scent,
so taking off in single file
to find the source, they are now intent.
The leader emits a trumpet that’s shattering
as they move rapidly across the square
and the crowd is quickly scattering
before these elephants, in such a great hurry.

My heart is thumping and I’m filled with awe.
as the elephants stop before me,
and with the tip of their long extended trunks,
and a delicately soft and gentle touch
start to explore my face and body.
And I could hear a sound as they circled me,
a soft rumbling, just like a deep throated purr
emanating from deep within their belly.

They caressed and gently blew my hair
and allowed me to fondle their trunks,
while from a safe distance, over there,
the crowd watched in total amazement
this strange and affectionate display.
Then the irate keeper came
to round up his charges and take them away.
And the magic moments were broken.

I don’t know why they chose me that day,
maybe they read my mind
and sensed the admiration and love
that I have always felt for their kind.

Jackie S Brooks ©
1 September 2003