Another 100 Heartbeats

The loss of beauty

a rhino wandering in agony without its distinctive horn

such tragedy

a helpless juvenile orangutan

ripped from its dead mother's arms

many horrific scenes

a polar bear taking its last breath

and drowning after swimming to find food and land

the inhumanity

a loris knocked around in a tiny cage

sold to the highest bidder

and where does this cruelty come from

of creating orphans, massive murders, slavery, and destruction?

Humans, left to take care of their only home

to share the earth with their fellow creatures

but 100 selfish hearts took it all for themselves

100 foolish hearts decided they were smarter

100 greedy hearts did it all for money

100 unfeeling hearts never took a second thought

now only 100 heartbeats remain

and with hope

100 compassionate hearts will conserve the species

100 courageous hearts will fight to protect the planet

100 intelligent hearts will rehabilitate the wounded

and still 100 heartbeats remain

so naturally 100 hearts are broken