My life begins as a gentle calf.
I never leave my mother's side;
young and free I roam the sea,
chasing mackerel and krill,
growing bigger and stronger each day.

My life continues as a mature whale.
I venture with the pod of humpbacks;
grown and strong, I breach the water,
slapping the ocean with my majestic tail,
learning and exploring each day.

  My life changes as I migrate south.
  I swim to warmer water;
  worn and tired, I commence my vacation,
  breeding new whales to join my journey,
basking and relaxing each day.

My life approaches an end,
I struggle to catch fish;
old and decrepit I swim slowly, yet
with death looming, I enjoy my last swim,
floating to the shore, I have reached my last day.

  My life ends, but my journey continues.
  I capture the attention of visitors;
  substantial and alluring, my bones lay,
  hanging from the museum ceiling for generations to gaze upon, and
  my journey as a humpback goes on countless days.