Handbags and Crocodile Shoes

By luigi_pagano

Tue, 26 Jun 2018
  • 1160 reads
4 comments
 

 

 

All the swamps' alligators
are in sympathy with
a young orphaned reptile
who sheds genuine tears
when told the sad news
of his mother's demise
at the hand of the hunter
'crocodile' Dundee.
 
It is quite depressing
they could clearly see
what became of the prey.
Pinned to the ground
she fought hard to survive
but could not get away.
Was subdued and died
for the sake of her skin.
 
Some people use
that scaly integument
to make luxury goods
like leather wristbands,
expensive handbags
and designer shoes.
The followers of fashion
brook no argument.
 
Yet others who care
for the world's ecology
and animal welfare
consider it a sin
to slaughter fauna
for vanity accessories
and choose instead
synthetic leather.
 
© Luigi Pagano 2018
Certificate U
Poetry Monthly
Mutevoli pensieri

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Well, well, I suppose crocodiles can still be killed when a danger - is their meat eaten?? And we are asked to be more rationed in our use of plastics, but there's plenty of 'ordinary' leather still available from the abattoirs anyway! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Obviously, when danger arises, crocodiles can be killed as can other wild animals. It is the destructive nature of the act that is carried out solely for the purpose of acquiring their skin or meat which, it seems, is a delicacy in Australia, that has to be condemned. We may also give a thought to elephants and rhinoceros that are hunted for their trunks and horns to provide ivory.
The plastic problem is a different proposition but, as you rightly point out, one that has to be resolved.

Luigi x

 

 

Submitted by london_calling79 on

An excellent poem outlining a most worthy cause.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Many thanks for your observation, london_calling79, very welcomed.

Best, Luigi