Winner: You can all stop guessing, though it was interesting to read your efforts.
Orcas in the wild have an average life expectancy of 30 to 50 years—their estimated maximum lifespan is 60 to 70 years for males and 80 to over 100 for females. The average age of death for orcas who have died at SeaWorld is 13 years old.
The poem was about an orca-mother that had her son taken from her so that he could be used for entertainment at seaworld. She then spends the rest of her life searching for him, even though he died decades before hand, and she knows he might have, but keeps searching anyway. This was her goodbye, as she knew that she couldn't keep going any longer and was about to die herself.
Writing this shit brought me to tears during the end, as I was, for that five minutes, her, and thus, I was forced to feel the pain of her goodbye. I'm very glad someone was able to figure this out, because I know it may not seem like much to the random reader, but this actually meant a lot to me.
At which part did you begin to suspect it was about orcas?
It was the "killer" and 50 years references.
I have to admit to almost coming to tears as I thought about it too.
I've been to SeaWorld and listened to a "trainer" dismiss questions of how the animals feel being confined in such small spaces. Saying that animals don't have feelings like we do.
That's just utter bullshit.
Send the prize to @animal-shelter "for animals".
WOW! That was a clever guess! It was difficult for me to read. So so so so sad. I've never been to SeaWorld and probably never will. Too, too sad. Great to have the SBD prize go to animals. :)
Yes, and the traversing the world multiple times in darkness I thought might be a clue too. That's interesting that it could have such an emotional effect on you too. I often take on the emotional states of the characters I am writing about, but I never felt that the reader would be able to feel that way too.
Sorry for depressing you, but I am actually very happy that the poem was powerful enough to do that if I'm completely honest.
I have never been to sea world, but I have seen the documentary "Black fish" some time ago. That was quite an eye-opener.
I will redirect the reward to where you requested, once the post has finished and I know how much to send. It may(doubtfully) increase yet.
It didn't depress me, there are just times when I can feel an emotion wash over me.
Good writing can do that too.
The
penkeyboard is mightier than the sword. ;-)