The Mastodon Poem by Theresa Ann Moore

Near a Michigan highway, not long ago
A bulldozer dug into the earthen crust
Creating a hollow for a new foundation…
By chance, exhuming a Mastodon tusk

Remaining bones surfaced fully intact
Verifying the Wooly Mammoth’s existence
The ancient creature has been transported
To a museum that has become his residence

Lonesome elephant from prehistoric times
People visit you with curiosity each day
Your demise is no longer kept from sight
Your bones are now prominently on display

Does your frame recollect the days with a herd?
How is it that you wandered such a long way?
What incentive brought you here so well preserved?
Mastodon, if you could talk what you would say?


10/28/07