Zoo Report

He preferred the sea lions.

He admired their tranquil eyes and playful hijinks,
the ease with which they cut through water 

like a rollicking circus.  

He enjoyed them lounging in the midday heat, 

their ripe bellies a medley of Buddhas
praying to the California sun.  

Pups tossed a beach ball 

as human primates gathered 'round the exhibit
armed with chattering cameras, 

stuffed panda-bear keepsakes and a detached curiosity 

afforded those atop the food chain.  

An anxious man with a camcorder berated 

the docile, elder sea lions:  "Do something, you bums!
Do something!"  His orders went ignored.

An ill-mannered boy launched a spit ball 

atop a sleeping bull lion.  

His mother pulled him aside and paddled him
drawing shrieks from the child and hot remarks 

from nearby adults critical of her disciplinary technique.

Harsh words were exchanged, 

escalating to threats of violence.  

The man with the camcorder attempted mediation 

resulting in an awkward scuffle between him
and a stout, walrus-looking gentleman.  

Then a caretaker arrived with buckets of herring.  

He delighted in the sea lions jettisoning

onto the embankment, barking with wild enthusiasm.  

The crying boy took solace in mother's embrace 

while eager bulls shuffled to the front of the gathering.  

Cameras scurried to capture the bustle of excitement.  

Bystanders applauded as the ruffians 

were escorted to the gate.  

All was well with the animals.

**First published in Di-Verse-City anthology