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 basking

in 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 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 

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.  

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 

      Di-Verse-City anthology