UNTAMPERED

LOCATION: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA

From dark markets in mystical lands,

From ancient scrolls forged by unknowing hands;

From the farthest reaches you’ve set these snares,

Sent in poachers to make me rare,

Luring in locals with minimal shares.

Promises strong, placing coin in palm,

You’ve left me in a state of complete disarm.

I cannot prepare; I cannot repair,

When those metal shells shake this clean pure air.

Its too late, you’ve brought warfare,

And it is unjustly and devilishly unfair.

To grind it down and reduce it to dust,

It isn’t done for need, rather an uneducated lust.

Simple keratin like hair and nails,

If you’re seeking to gain powers like gods;

Using this you will only fail.

Your search has not been proven and it does not stand true;

In fact you had nothing to do with me,

The one on whom it grew.

I doubt you’ve even experienced me and yet you come to claim my symbol,

It shows my might, my power, and its mine that is official.

I use it to forage, fight and protect with pride,

To shelter and defend my innocent youngster’s delicate side.

It has a place and that is only with me,

So shift your minds and leave me untampered and free.

I want to roam, I want to grow and I want to live,

So please, let me be.

Pencil on Paper

29.5in x 22in