Baby waits alone
in sandy shallows lying,
wretchedly crying
Dam marooned at sea
aware her calf is dying
precious time expiring
Biped mammals strive
distressing trials appeasing
cold denial teasing
infant but alive
languishing in tear-spilled eyes
watching her demise
flukes and flippers raised
weakened, trembling, resigning
euthanasia praised
© I.D. Carswell
The Humpback whale calf was newly born when found in shallows, its umbilical still attached. Volunteers stayed with her for 24 hours however the mother was not located. She was euthanized to prevent further suffering. It was a sad but inevitable end.
