This is my entry for this week’s 100-Word Challenge for Adults.
Elsie lay across her cot like a damp rag in the sweltering afternoon heat. She was trying to digest what she’d seen. She’d followed the elephant herd for days, but today was a revelation. Textbook words long ago had come to life like some ethereal dream in the velvety haze of morning.
The herd had discovered the carcass of another pachyderm. They gathered around it solemnly, and one by one, each member had caressed the heap of parched old bones. They fondled pieces of the deceased and carefully set them back, then stood quietly.
“They know they’re elephants,” she whispered.
To see my other 100-Word-Challenge entries go here. To learn more about the 100-Word Challenge for Adults, and to see what this week’s prompt was, go here.
If you enjoyed this, you may also like Love without Language: Elephants Pay their Respects to Lawrence Anthony After his Death
MoonLightened Way 
Elephants are such fascinating animals. Have you seen Born to be Wild 3D? I love your take on Just Old Bones!
I haven’t seen Born to be Wild 3D. What’s it about? I’m glad you enjoyed the submission and really appreciate your comment. Thanks!
ooh creepy but filled with emotion. x
This is a behavior that’s actually been observed in elephants. Kind of makes you rethink the whole “they’re just animals” thing and what that means exactly. Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate it.
Feeling this one
I’m glad you enjoyed it. As always I appreciate your reading it and leaving a comment.
OOh! Love it.
Thanks so much, Louise!
Loved this. Elephants are such magnificent and mysterious creatures. This was very thought provoking.
I’m glad you liked it, Anna. There really is a mystique about them. Thank you for reading.
Wow, this slammed into my heart,
Years ago, when I first became aware that elephants did this, it really made me take a step back and rethink the way I viewed the natural world. We humans, I think, are very prone to assuming we are the only species that are self-aware. I don’t think we are.
No, I’m sure we’re not the only aware species, in the wild wolves bury their dead which is why you rarely find wolf carcases, I’m sure there are other animals which do the same thing, very enlightening post, thank you.
Beautifully written and such a soulful piece.
Thank you, Judee. As always I appreciate the time you take to read it and to leave a comment!
Sad and beautiful.
You have to wonder what thoughts they have regarding the recognition of another’s death. If we could understand their perspective, I wonder how they view it. I realize we are very naturally prone to anthropomorphism, but this observed behavior is food for thought.
Gorgeous writing and story-telling here. Wow…!
Thanks for reading, Julianna.
They know and they grieve. Amazing animals. Well written!
Thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment, Caerlynn. Much appreciated.
Loved this, and your picture too. There is something almost mystical about elephants, and you captured that sense here. Enjoyed it.
Thanks for reading, Sandra and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful, it’s fascinating how elephants recognise the bones of their own. A very touching piece of writing – one of my favourites this week.
I’m so tickled I’m on your week’s favorites! Wow! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. It’s very appreciated.
This was a well write and stirring, emotive piece; very moving
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment, gsussex.
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Truly a good story…I can feel the heat, sense the wonder and amazement and a bit of shame–
“they know they’re elephants.” well done.
Thanks so much, Lorraine. Things like this tend to really move me and I’m happy when I can share that same feeling with others. Thanks for commenting!
Very, very special 🙂
Thank you, Gilly!