‘Twas two nights before Christmas
And all through the land,
All the elephants were waiting
For a total ivory ban.
Conservationists were musing
On how things looked so grim,
Humans had tried to kill Kenya’s largest bull:
Tusker Tim!
When what to their surprise
Tusker arrived with a clatter,
To their camp at Amboseli
So they could take care of the matter.
Protruding from his head
There appeared a large spear,
Someone had tried to kill him
The second attempt in two years.
The veterinarian went to work
On his forehead and ear,
Happy to realize he wasn’t poisoned
And that his fatality was not near.
Tusker Tim was so thankful
For the conservationists work,
He trumpeted loudly
And then turned with a jerk.
Summoning family
And friends that he knew,
From Amboseli’s AA and EA
GB and JA too.
Now, Gwen! now, Eloise!
Now, Golda! and Alison!
On, Jolene! on Jamila!
On, Jean! and Jackson!
The wound on his skin did not deter
His great scheme,
Of surprising his helpers
Who were such a professional team!
To the depths of the savannah
They all went different ways,
To gather their presents
For delivery on Christmas Day.
Tusker Tim sought out pumpkin
Jolene searched for plants,
Jean found some tree bark
But Golda only found ants!
To the glee of the conservationists
Tusker Tim led the way,
Of thanking them for all they do
Each and every day.
To be thankful at Christmas
Is what it’s all about,
Without the care from others
Elephant’s lives would be far worse off.
He ended with reminding them
That they needed a better plan,
To convince the world
That elephants need A TOTAL IVORY BAN!
But today he was merry
And did not dwell on the hateful,
He banished negative thoughts
And was internally grateful!
May we all learn from Tusker Tim
The lesson of the white dove,
By spreading trunks of peace to all
The focus is on sharing love.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good elephant!
Tusker Tim
written by /Fran Duthie