Cramped quarters, and crowded to overflow,
you never know how these things are planned.
As it would stand, the animals had little say.
It was sad and upsetting in a way,
that the keepers made the choices and
those without voices had little to say.
The variety of the species was intriguing,
in a league all their own, over-blown
in scope, and that left little to say.
Everyday, the wild ones were forced into domesticity,
a simplicity to those cracking the whip. The zookeeper
fond of rum indeed, due to breeding and nothing constructive to say.
Four young lions, strong in spirit and vision,
but always in division over their birth right
and wrong as it sounded, they had little to say.
Gazelles, graceful and girlish, flanked the habitat,
concerned with this and that, did strive to survive the onslaught,
but, they ought to have been allowed more to say.
When it was feeding time “at the zoo”, the milieu
benefited the fittest, as we crowded around the dinner table.
You could label us as you wish, but each dish had something to say.
Life in “the zoo” offered sanctuary, with nary a worry,
for family gave you more than we “beasts” expected.
We were well protected, and that said it all.
Walt, we have been to some fabulous zoos: San Diego, and an Australian zoo which was huge, and even the Milwaukee zoo which was rated second after San Diego. I get what you are saying...well proteced and that said it all. But I enjoy zoos very much.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see your poem here, Walt. A gazelle made it into MY poem too. I do know many would agree with your opinion, but if it weren't for zoos, children (such as my grandchildren) wouldn't have the opportunity to observe and learn about animals up close and personal. In the summer I am at the zoo with them at least once every two weeks. Hope you'll tell Marie about this place!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed what you had to say and how you said it. I think zoos can have a place, especially for breeding programmes and protecting endangered species but seeing animals in the wild is certainly the best experience.
ReplyDelete"Four young lions, strong in spirit and vision." I especially like.
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