A Trip To Our Local Country Zoo (Reno, NV, 2018)
1.
A zoo on country road outside of town.
A chance to see the legendary sloth
alone in cage with water and a moth.
A peacock struts around like circus clown.
Behind the petting zoo back fence, camels,
a couple hyena without a sound.
To pace in circles, A to B, on ground,
as panther grins over these animals.
By turtle pond the monkeys play on bars.
Around the corner lie the sleeping cats
or glance upon a lazy bear at play.
The tigers tend to hide all day, the stars
who lie under some planks of wooden flats
or billboards seen throughout regular day.
2.
The prize was petting gazelle while they feed.
My youngest gifts the deer from youthful palm
and other antelope stand without qualm
to wait for nuts and varied types of seed.
My children laugh to feel the rugged tongue,
each lick seems coarser then the one before.
We feed the peaceful critters more and more,
a song of coexistence being sung.
I understand the needs of these creatures
much more than others of my own species
whose motivations I cannot predict.
A manmade retelling of natures cures,
an answer here or certainly some keys
to open locks that we have not yet picked.
3.
We load the car with pictures still in mind
of painted birds and those in petting zoo,
orangutang, and zebras were there too,
a caged life that’s altered and refined.
A vain attempt to create a new home,
to give each animal a taste of wild
and create illusions in every child
of places they may never chance to roam.
We find ways back to our own caged room
to feed the dogs and cats their daily food
and pet behind their ears behind the couch.
Our cats will find the time to lounge and groom
and though the wild version may seem quite crude
they both seem held by tightened human clutch.
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A memorable day Jamie. I do love to see all the animals but are sad, especially for the big cats that are obviously suffering in the lack of freedom that their species and size requires. Well told and enjoyed my friend.
I haven’t been to a zoo in many years…until today. What a wonderful guide you’ve been indeed – very enjoyable.
Very nicely penned, Jamie. I do not like to see wild animals caged, yet, I remember just how exciting it was when a child I gazed at the animals in wonder. My father often took Mom and us seven kids to zoos and circuses to see the animals. You are a good father to share wonders of the world with your children. I enjoyed this piece very much.
I rarely go to the zoo, I use to take my young children to it many years ago, we always had fun. I just recently went to the Zoo with my youngest son, his girlfriend and my 3 year old granddaughter. Very expensive, $20 per person except for my gd who entered free. However new attractions often increase the entrance fees to help pay for the structures. We went expressly to view the new Polar Bears and seal tank. What a sight, you walk through a tunnel and they swim all around you, an amazing feeling I can tell you. Overall it was a fun day, kids love zoos, I did when I was one. Although it’s sad to see the animals behind cages, I’m for setting them all free back to their natural environment. Nicely penned Jamie.
So very nice to hear from all of you thank you for your thoughtful comments and I am glad you enjoyed the read. Jamie