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 bears,
and a detached curiosity afforded those
atop the food chain.
A man with a camcorder
berated the docile, elder sea lions:
"Do something, you bums!
Do something!"
His orders were ignored.
A boy launched a spitball at a sleeping bull.
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
with a stout, walrus-looking gentleman.
A caretaker arrived with buckets of herring.
Sea lions surged 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
