The Slaughter at the Water's Edge

 
The drought had dried up most of the lakes and rivers,
Fire, it seemed, had consumed most of the vegetation,
The animals made the arduous journey across the plains,
In search for water and food, or else face starvation.

The masses followed the donkeys at first to the mountains,
But the animals didn’t like the difficult and dangerous path,
So, they followed the giant elephants through the desert,
But then felt the unforgiving heat and the wilderness’ wrath.

And every time they came to a watering hole they’d find hope,
But the elephants with their size would push everyone away,
Their appetite and thirst were always bigger than everyone else,
And so, many of the other animals would have to wait another day.

When they’d find some foliage, close to another water source,
The elephants would connive using their great strength and power,
Soon dust would rise and it confused the others still in the back,
Taking more for themselves while smaller creatures would cower.

Finally, when the animals discovered a small fresh-water lake,
The little faster beasts rushed to the edge to get a drink,
But the elephants in a stampede would run some of them over,
Killing some of the weaker ones before the others could blink.

Once the pachyderms had their fill they would bathe in the water,
Stomping and raising all the sediment from the bottom to the surface,
Exerting their strength and reach for all the other animals to see,
Claiming it was their right to rule them, as if this was their purpose.