We, humans often claim, we’re the highest form of animals on earth. Although no one can and would challenge this: I disagree that what sets us apart and above, is our ability to love and be loved. Perhaps it’s partly true, but if we buy this, meaning the rest are but predators, which is so wrong. Because, we have pets in our households; we share “home” with them; we co-exist; we even bond. But to further prove my point, below are some great (true) stories of love and friendship among animals.
Courtesy of Associated Press
1. Bea (Giraffe) and Wilma (Ostrich)–No, (with due respect) they aren’t proponents nor members of any special community. They are just BFFs who rather stay close together than wander alone at the 65-acre enclosure at Busch Garden, Tampa, Florida.
Courtesy of AP
2. Torque (Dog) and Shrek (Owl)— Torque and his handler adopted Shrek when he was only 6-months old. Apparently, Shrek’s mom was going through some sort of “post-natal depression” that it was feared, she would have Shrek for a meal one day . And so, the handler removed him from the mom and brought to his caring along with Torque. The latter was so welcoming; and, they were best friends since then.
Courtesy of AP
3. Bubbles (Elephant) and Bella (Labrador)–Who says size matters? Well, not for this two. In fact, silly Bella uses Bubbles as a diving board. The generous elephant is originally from Africa (who is lucky enough to escape ivory hunters) and Bella is but an Am-girl (abandoned in the park by her first handler).
Courtesy of AP
4. Shere Khan (Tiger), Baloo (Bear), and Leo (Lion)–They were beaten and abused (nearly to death) by their former handler (allegedly a drug addict). Baloo suffered more serious deformities among them three, or as results of cruelty they endured. However, they were inseparable since. They’re now habitants of Noah’s Ark Sanctuary.
Courtesy of AP
5. Kasi (Cheetah) and Mitani (Labrador)–These two were my favorites. They were born and raised at Busch Garden. They were childhood sweethearts. However, as Kasi grew into adolescent, he spent more time with female cheetahs. The best part, Mitani was never jealous.
Courtesy of AP
6. Mabel (Hen) and the Three Puppies (neglected by their mommy)– Three new born pups didn’t lost their mittens; it was just that their mommy didn’t think they need her and the mittens. Thank goodness, Mabel, a very loving hen, roost and kept them warm.
Courtesy of AP
7. Mani (Wild Boar Piglet) and Candy (Dog)--Mani was found starving in the wilds in Southwest Germany. Their handlers brought him home where Candy was also staying. The two were seen sharing meals and playing most of the time.
Courtesy of AP
8. Roscoe (Blue Tick Hound) and Suryia (Orangutan)–It was love at first sight when Roscoe followed Suryia (and her handler) on the very first day she was brought to an enclosure for endangered species.
I’m sure there are more other unpublished stories of love and friendship among animals. And I’m also sure there are some who’d be skeptic about these stories. But one of my favorite documentaries about this topic, is March of Penguins. That BBC film features those seabirds at the height of brutal winter in Antarctica. It highlights their courtship and parenting. Both male and female take turn from “finding forever” to hatching of their chicks–what a poignant true story! I suggest you see it to believe.
To end, love has many faces. And because it’s so sacred, it is better expressed than spoken. With that being said, we should never patent love exclusive to men. Otherwise, we make animals more vulnerable to cruelty.
In Hawaii, we strongly believe in mana. It has no exact English translation; but it is something precious and powerful. It invokes regards; it instills dignity; it upholds respect. The animals and (also) plants are deserving of those as well. Actually, more sacrosanct to us, kama’aina(s) (Hawaii locals), is the theory that both living and non-living things are entitled to mana. For the very reason,someone labored for them; someone brought them to their being; or someone spent sweat and tears–who knows even blood and breath–or life and death–and perhaps love that led to their creation and continued existence. Therefore, we, men, the highest form of animals on earth, empowered by emotional intelligence, we must treat them with at least minimum regard. We owe them outright civility. For when we give such powerful and healing intangibles; we earn them to ourselves.
Nonetheless, indeed, when treating animals, we don’t have to think to be compassionate; rather, we must feel them to relate. Note: Feeling feels feeling.
In your eyes,
I see a lakeside bungalow
with roofs in vibrant indigo:
Poled on it,
is a flimsy antenna of loneliness
bending to the breeze of summer;
Poled on it,
is a sturdy pink flag of I Am Yours Republic
displaying bravado even to the eyes of storm.
They stand still
side-by-side
amid the deepening of night.
They keep space
to honor their differences
until aurora comes to light.
In your eyes,
I see two hearts chasing each other in a very green field,
Finally,
they’re cheek-to-cheek
when the red horizons appear.
They walk above Hanauma Bay;
They dive to the depths
of Spitting Caves.
In your eyes,
I see me in REM,
in bed of tulips and daisies.
Above,
is a vivid rainbow
half across the bluish sky,
Whilst playful trade winds
are molesting
my white skirt:
No, they don’t intend
to share our heaven-
I bet.
Just like you
they’re just teasing themselves-
I guess.
I recently bought from Amazon our good fellow, Ashi Akira‘s collection of haikus–and thank goodness I got it! Because, I wanted it for so long. Butwith commitments here and there, delays were inevitable. Of course, I was extremely thankful for many reasons; however, let me tell you the gist:
1. I have known the poet for years. I have followed his journey and have been amazed on how he can write of such depth and meaning with great ease and breeze.
2. In this Twenty-First-Century, Ashi‘s haikus are classic in the modern day world.
3. His poetry is very soul enriching–as he often depict nature elements in his poem (something he and I share in common).
4. His book is available in Kindle and hard copies.
5. It’s affordable, I got my Kindle version for less than $4.00 (mind you, tax is already included)
6. Last, but not least, Ashi is an inspiration. Because to blog and write–and to be so good in doing both–it takes more than a talent. And his book can attest this. It speaks of a man, a poet, a blogger of such a big heart in fulfilling his passion and love for our humble community.
Truly, I feel blessed to have Ashi Akira‘s collection of Haikus; and I encourage y’all to grab it. It’s a gem that brings delight in every word and rich imagery depicting art. Grab now!
However, a friendly reminder: To enjoy poetry, you must sing or recite the poems; for that’s how you’d feel the poet and give justice to his craft. And in return, you’d enrich your mind and broaden your perspectives. Go!
To you my friend, Ashi: You are a diamond! Because by putting your haikus in print, you make us realize that dreams are meant to be achieved. That if we are given gifts, we must cherish them; share them; and flourish with them; because they’re gifts! They are meant to be passed on. So, thank you! I can’t wait to have your next edition.
Finally, blogging takes more than bits and bytes. We, bloggers are faced with the greatest challenge to create a much better Earth through this gift we call the World Wide Web. And we succeed not just on how well and frequent we post, but how we cherish and support one another. Because, we are all gifts.
Thus, there is no competition at all; for our blogs are as unique as we are as individuals. And like literal gifts , although we present ourselves in different “wrappers” and “ribbons,” but through the generosity of sharing our crafts and passions, even our joys and tribulations (goodness), our utmost hearts and souls, “we make this world a better place” So thank you all!
Aloha oe! Ahui ho!
*This post is subject to change (pictures to follow).
Lyrics, Sentiments and Me 
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