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LindsayP
Member Elite

since 2007-07-28

Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

0 posted 2008-10-18 08:29 PM

THE SPORTSMAN’S SHAME

In this great land of Australia
I have often heard sportsmen boast,
Of how many game they have shot in a day
And then they’ll drink up a toast.

“Here’s to good shooting they’ll say,
And may the game run in numbers untold,”
But if sportsmen indiscriminately shoot,
You know what the future will hold.

But I know there are still a few sportsmen
Who only shoot what they must,
These are not the ones that I’m knocking
But those who kill only for lust.

It’s been said, and I know it’s been often,
When a roo has been wounded and fled,
“Don't worry Jack, they'll be plenty more,
And tomorrow it’ll probably be dead.”

But have you ever thought of a roo lying there
In agony till it’s very last breath,
It’s left there alone, to bleed and to groan,
Untill at last it is claimed by death.

Have you ever thought of a little grey quail
When she rises from her brood in alarm,
Then a burst of hot lead, and that little birds dead,
And you know, she’s never done us any harm.

Or have you ever thought of a wounded duck,
All riddled with pellets in vain,
Hiding away in an acre of reeds
Until at last death eases the pain.

Or have you ever thought of the elusive snipe
That flies in from a land over the sea,
After a flight of some five thousand mile,
It’s a symbol of all that is free.

Then some great sportsman with a licence to kill
Spells death with a blast from his gun,
Sure he’s a great shot and a sportsman too,
But can he be proud of what he has done?

If this verse should save just one single roo,
A duck, or some little bird,
For remember they’ve a mate and a family too,
Then I’m glad my poem’s been heard.

Robert E. Jordan
Member Rara Avis

since 2008-01-25

Posts 8541
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1 posted 2008-10-18 10:32 PM

Yo LindsayP,

I'm with you on hunting. I do like to fish though, and I suppose that's the same thing.

Bobby

Bill Charles
Member Patricius

since 2000-07-11

Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now

2 posted 2008-10-18 11:02 PM

LindsayP - you said it well, hunting to just kill is no sport at all...

BC

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis

since 2005-11-07

Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa

3 posted 2008-10-19 01:39 AM

If people rose to the level of civilisation of wild animals, they would only kill to eat as God intended, and the food chain would be undisturbed, suffering of prey would reduced considerably, there would be less wild life orphans, and people would be happier. If only killing animal life to eat was extended to only killing plant life to eat or to build a home (not millions of homes), habitat destruction would be reduced as well and global warming would be reduced. I know that so-called progress is progress (of sorts), but if those complex brains who have brought about progress could create their progress with more thought for the big picture (and the tiny pictures), the world would be a far better place.

- Owl

Roniece Dawson-Bruce
Member Ascendant

since 2000-01-29

Posts 5689
Sydney, Australia

4 posted 2008-10-19 02:53 AM

Dear Lindsay... I just love your work.. you do know this right? I love your story telling... it is just so magical and mesmerising.. love RDB xx

Be kind at heart....for everyone you meet has their own battle to fight.........

Margherita
Member Seraphic

since 2003-02-08

Posts 22236
Eternity

5 posted 2008-10-19 05:30 AM

Dear Lindsay, you wrapped me in deep sadness with your sensitive words. There are images of cruelty and heartlessness I have seen that I am unable to erase. It is necessary to evolve. Thank you for speaking up like this.
Love,
Margherita

HopeS
Member Elite

since 2000-12-22

Posts 4596
Perth Western Australia

6 posted 2008-10-19 10:06 AM

Yes sad its reality , but it is nothing but downright cruelty

Hope

Rick
Member Elite

since 2001-06-21

Posts 2903
Victoria, Australia

7 posted 2008-10-19 02:39 PM

Lindsay my mate, this was great and so true, as you say, if your verse of words saves just one creature it was so very much worth writing. Well done my friend.

Rick

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

8 posted 2008-10-19 11:48 PM

Dear Lindsay, Thank you for writing this poem. It made me cry. I hate hunting and and the killing of animals for no reason, that I can see, other than the pleasure of cruelty. My father grew up hunting but never hunted after I was born because I was so against it even as a child. If I accomplish nothing else in life I will consider that a victory.
Ida

LindsayP
Member Elite

since 2007-07-28

Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

9 posted 2008-10-21 08:27 PM

To my very good friends Bobby, Bill, Owl, Roniece, Margherita, Hope, Rick and Ida, I'm so glad you agreed with me on this poem
And I sincerely thank you all for your generous comments. May the sun shine upon you always, God bless.

Lindsay

WindWalker
Senior Member

since 2001-10-12

Posts 1218

10 posted 2008-10-25 10:52 AM

WOW! This is one of your best. WOW!

LindsayP
Member Elite

since 2007-07-28

Posts 3410
Australia, Victoria

11 posted 2008-10-25 08:09 PM

WindWalker, thank you so much for your response, I'm glad you liked it. Have a great day my friend and take care.

Lindsay

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