By Matt Valente
Orangutan means man of the forest,
But man is busy destroying their forest.
Oh the Irony!
You ask why?
Mainly in search of palm oil,
We ruin the orangutan’s native soil.
These noble beasts are left to die;
It’s enough to make your blood boil.
Save the orangutans; that’s what I say:
They are intelligent, sensitive creatures,
With a wealth of extraordinary features.
Poem by Matt Valente
Header illustration by Cedric Morse
My name is Matthew Elijah Valente. I am a graduate of Lower Merion High School in suburban Philadelphia, PA. I am currently studying Liberal Arts at Erie County Community College, Buffalo, NY, with the support of Accessible Academics. I was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder at the age of three. Animals have been my life-long passion. I have visited over 50 zoos and aquaria in the U.S. and Canada. My numerous poems and film reviews advocate for animal rights. Several of my poems have been animated and can be found on my Youtube Channel.
I’m quite attached to Sumatran orangutans. They’ve an aura of good judgement about them and are reserved in their way. Beautifully crafted, Matt!
Thanks for the kind sentiment! Orangutans are one of my favorite animals and must be saved from extinction.