Manatee Poem by BASAB CHAUDHURI

Every day when I start my computer,
a picture appears.
Sometimes skyscrapers of New York,
another day camels in the desert of the Middle East,
on some days Sylvan Lake,
or an exotic bird or animal.

Today it is a manatee,
an animal that lives in the sea.
It looks serene, pleasing, warm-hearted—
a creature that seems to possess
the gentleness we admire in humans.

I searched the internet and, to my surprise,
found that these gentle giants
often become friendly with people.
They may even allow a belly scratch.

My liking for the ocean, therefore,
is not without reason.
Some who live in water
seem more human
than those who live on land.

Great creatures.