Dwarf Mammoths

A discussion on extinct dwarf mammoths is in progress over on Making Light. The idea of having one's own dwarf mammoth as a pet is very popular--not surprising given the number of SF/F fans in Teresa's readership. Read the popup titles of the web links in Teresa's blog for a wistful fantasy subtext about having a pet mammoth named Anacreon (who may or may not ride in Tor's zeppelin).

Here's my extrapolation: Eulogy for Anacreon

Anacreon, departed friend,
I struggle still to comprehend
genetic spells unwinding death
that granted you contemp'ry breath.
I watched you grow from calf to bull,
from wrinkled kid to tusks and wool.
We swam; we romped; we drank the sun
from dawn's first ray 'til day was done.

I loved your voice, your clarion trunk,
your shrill fanfares when we'd both drunk
our fill of wine, virtue and verse,
no more time's dirges to rehearse.
Contented in the zeppelin's shade
we set a blanket down, arrayed
with wine, fresh fruit and cheeses for
our picnic feast atop the tor.

Yet mystic forces rule unseen--
cruel irony in life's machine.
Had I known of your namesake's fate
those grapes would ne'er have graced your plate.