Baby elephants who die from neglect or maltreatment

Human beings who hurt each other for no good reason

And then profess caring by offering swift kicks in the butt

Without really guiding are not any better answers to much



All of us are playing at caring like trapeeze artists who rely

On the camaraderie of their fellow family so they can fly

Whereas truth is we're better off staying away from danger

And those who really care would state to those strangers



Exactly where they're coming from and thus reveal selves

As something more than just a handle pulled from shelves

And explain more about their interest and thus be a friend

Something all of us need in life right up to the bitter end ...



- Tristram



Christopher W. Thomas

8:22am Monday, March 23rd, 1998