Comment from Pamusart

Excellent

That is true Bill. That the elephant man is none other than a human animal. Maybe he was related to Batman or Spider-Man. Just kidding. But he had a sad life thanks to ignorance or cruelty. Well done. Thank you for sharing

 Comment Written 29-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 29-Jul-2018

Thanks, Pam

Comment from judiverse

Excellent

What a terrible affliction. I avoided seeing the movie and the play, although the play was performed at our local community theater. Playing the role of the elephant man must have been difficult. What a hard time the elephant man the story was based on must have had! The reactions of others made life difficult. Interesting poem to bring that condition up. judi

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 28-Jul-2018

Thanks, Judi. I was going to use Merrick's actual photograph uncovered, but it's rather jolting.

reply by judiverse on 28-Jul-2018

You're welcome. I don't know how the stage actors did the role. Make-up artistry, I suppose. judi

reply by the author on 28-Jul-2018

I imagine they use a headpiece like they do for Beauty and the Beast.

Comment from Ulla

Excellent

Hi Bill, I liked this one. I can't really say why, but I do. No, he was not an animal( having said that, we all are) but I know what you're trying to say. Disturbing poem. All the best. Ulla:))

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 28-Jul-2018

A line from the movie, The Eephant Man, was uttered by Merrick after being mobbed by rabid cu4iosity seekers. He shouted, ?I am NOT an animal! I am a human BEING!?

reply by Ulla on 28-Jul-2018

Yeah, thanks for reminding me. :)

Comment from Dolly'sPoems

Excellent

John Merrick was a normal guy who suffered terribly from this desease and was made fun of and his life was shortened because he could never lie down to go to sleep as his airway would be blocked, I enjoyed your words Bill, love Dolly x

 Comment Written 28-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 28-Jul-2018

Thanks

Comment from nomi338

Excellent

As he stated more than once, yet he was often treated far worse than most people's pets. Many if not most of his tormenters never realized that their souls were far more twisted and deformed than his physical body ever was.

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2018

Thanks, nomi, for giving this a look. Bill

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

A horrible situation for this poor man who suffered with this affliction. Imagine having to live this way. I wonder how many people are aware of him. Perhaps an author's note would shed more light. Marilyn

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2018

Thanks, Marilyn.

Comment from Cass Carlton

Excellent

No, he wasn't. He was a tragic figure, all too aware of his misshapen form, but still intelligent and able to learn.
The movie was a sad one, but portrayed him as gifted and eloquent. My heart ached for him as he removed the pillows from his bed and laid down to die. What else was left in life for him? May he rest in peace. the poor, sad man.
Cass

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2018

Thanks, Cass, for giving this a look. Bill

Comment from Gloria ....

Excellent

A clever use of the elephant series and it makes a strong shift from the other posts with more levity. Sometimes nature is very cruel.

Excellent job, Bill.

Gloria

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2018

Thanks, Gloria

Comment from Y. M. Roger

Excellent

Awwww...but I miss the real ones with trunks or horns or hunks or trorns...lol! :)
Well constructed 5-7-7 although the picture is kinda eerie, but we're not here to rate the image as I have read in a number of "Reviewing Reviews" today... ;) ;)

Thanx for sharing! :) Yvette

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2018

I started with his real face, but thought folks might lose their lunch.

Comment from Joan E.

Excellent

I had not heard the expression "Proteus syndrome" before but assume it means that he thought he could really change shapes, especially based on the final line and the picture. Sighs- Joan

 Comment Written 27-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 27-Jul-2018

For years Joseph Merrick was thought to have neurofibromatosis. About thirty years ago it was decided that he actually had proteus syndrome.

reply by Joan E. on 27-Jul-2018

Thank you for the additional information about the diagnosis. I hope your weekend is serene when it arrives- Joan