Our faces were dusted with dirt from the days driving
Dusty tracks are but cuts in an otherwise green landscape
Miles passed us at varying speeds.
It was always the same thing
Trapped and protected at the same time
It has its price, we agreed to it.
Preferring something to nothing: rationalise into normality - Peoples best trait
They walked in a line; purposeful, practiced. Ancient.
Their movement spoke to us
The young ones: excited energy plain as day
Mothers of mammals are all the same. Eyes on us all ways.
The alpha was a shadow to our light; Big. Proud. Strong.
The omegas would not be taken easily.
They came close, closer than I thought possible
Vision filled! Presence felt!
Tough skin hung like it could never quite be filled
Creases and scars told a journey, as old as their race.
His face carried a weight beyond that of most
Muscles and bone – three attempts at angles, carried off so well.
Two desirable guards, granted to only the strongest of beasts
The centre is a plethora by trade, it is the harbour of his life patterns.
He walked for the audience, an audience that he permitted.
Permitted but quickly forgotten, forgotten because of the other.
The threat was recognised in silence.
Intensity flooded the scene as the two alphas sized each other up
Sudden movement. Their eyes locked as they moved.
Both mirrors of want, determination and aggression.
Back and forth they danced, a musical of instinct.
The alpha takes the stage – his solo bold
The other circles, slow but determined.
The alpha's circular foot paws the ground, emotions surging high.
He shows off his prowess, turning four into five.
Dust is his armour, none better to the eye.
The other is watchful unsure of his time
The spotlight is dimming high up in the sky
The moment is now!
The other turns from the glory, not looking back.
He carries his failure with him
Kilimanjaro welcomes with shadowy arms.
I snap his image with my false eye
Forever digitalised.
We leave with the feeling of an experience
Meant for none of us – this is their life.
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A/N I took this picture in 2007 whilst on holiday in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya. I got to watch an elephant stand-off that lasted for two hours.
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