Once upon a time there was a town with an elephant
Visiting from another place.
Five men in the town longed to understand the elephant
But couldn’t use the eyes upon their face.
(They had severe visual impairment)
But they had an inner vision that came from other senses
Like smelling, hearing, tasting, and to touch.
They travelled to the place where the elephant was resting
And expressed that they would very much
“…like to meet her, if that’s okay.”
Ahoy Large Land Creature!
Welcome to our town!
We’re very glad to meet you
And to see
What you might be.
Man 1 said, “It’s a tree trunk.” Man 2 said, “No, a snake!”
Man 3 said, “The elephant’s a wall.”
Man 4 said, “The elephant is flat and floppy like a fan.”
Man 5 said, “You’re all
Crazy! It’s a spear!”
The caretaker smiled and expressed appreciation
For astute observations that were made.
She said, “Without using eyes you have analyzed the elephant.
And I would like to say, well-played!
And you’re all correct.”
Ahoy Large Land Creature!
Welcome to our town!
We’re very glad to meet you
And to see
What you might be.
The caretaker said, “The elephant’s legs are cylindrical
And sturdy like the trunk of a tree.
The tail at the back is thin and rather rope-like,
Or if you prefer, ‘Snakey’.
(But it’s a tail.)
“The side of the elephant is wide and tall and solid,
Like the side of a building or a wall.
The ear of the elephant is flat like a fan.
And in addition to teeth more small,
It has 2 long spear-like teeth called tusks.”
Ahoy Large Land Creature!
Welcome to our town!
We’re very glad to meet you
And to see
What you might be.
They all moved up to the front of the elephant
And something like a firehose wrapped them round
It gave each one a kiss on the cheek
Then loudly blurted out a trumpet sound!
“That’s the trunk,” said the caretaker. “It’s like a long nose!”
Then the men walked around get some new perspectives
And observed the elephant from tail to tooth.
They rememebered it’s important to listen to each other
When it comes to understanding the whole truth.
It’s a big part of consultation!
Ahoy Large Land Creature!
Welcome to our town!
We’re very glad to meet you
And to see
What you might be.
Ahoy Large Land Creature!
We’re glad you came to town!
To remind us to listen to each other
So we can see
What the truth might be.