He admired their tranquil eyes
and playful hijinks,
the ease with which they cut through water
the ease with which they cut through water
like a rollicking circus.
He enjoyed them lounging
in the midday heat,
their ripe bellies basking
in the California sun.
Pups tossed a beach ball
as human primates gathered 'round the exhibit
armed with chattering cameras,
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 were ignored.
A mischievous boy launched a spit ball
at a sleeping bull lion.
His mother pulled him aside and paddled him
drawing shrieks from the child
drawing shrieks from the child
and hot remarks from nearby adults
critical of her 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.
and a stout, walrus-looking gentleman.
Then a caretaker arrived
with buckets of herring.
Sea lions jettisoned onto the embankment
barking with wild enthusiasm.
The crying boy took solace
in his 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 Austin International Poetry Festival's
**First published in Austin International Poetry Festival's
Di-Verse-City anthology
