Observations of a Gorilla

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The Joy Of Watching Animals

Contest Judged: 7/16/2023 12:42:00 PM
Sponsored by: Natasha L Scragg

1st Place

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I did not know about the world, I grew up on a farm Into the city I was hurled, it was cause for alarm I found my solace and retreat, with tenants of the zoo The animals that I would meet, were friendly to me too His gentle eyes of wisdom bright, a creature to behold This proud gorilla was a sight, a mighty presence bold With grace his muscles ripple strong, a testament of might His chest beats rhythms’ primal song, affirming his birthright It was his eyes, that knowing gaze, that brought a world untold A look that pierces through the haze, to help nature unfold Quietly he would sit each day, he hardly ever moved Indifference to what one would say, with nothing left to prove In the primate house time would pass, I’d watch the people too A few would yell or tap the glass, with nothing else to do The gentle eyes would glance at them, and then would move along But I noticed as I watched him, a glimpse of something wrong I had observed this same old friend, and recognized that look An agitation on the mend, I read him like a book His annoyance was clear to me, although no one would know I would have to wait and see, his anger bubbled slow A thickened strong glass-like front wall, with concrete all around Completed the habitat stall, so safety there was found And then that fateful day arrived, busloads from nearby schools Their youthful spirit was revived, by breaking all the rules I sat there calmly in my chair, as they all crossed the line The noise and chaos filled the air, I watched him for a sign Unmoving he just sat there bold, I saw it in his eyes Not sure of what might now unfold, nor what might now arise The kids were knocking on the glass, and taunting my best friend So I was hoping this might pass, and safely find the end Then all at once he sprang to action, and struck the front glass wall The kids were screaming, losing traction, I watched them as they’d fall The shock of sound and vibration, that centered from his force We now got an education, and feared the mighty source That havoc and confusion reigned, the evidence was clear His power need not be explained, as you could feel the fear They ran out every door and gate, they disappeared so fast My heart dropped back to normal rate, the fright was now the past And just like that, we were alone, my friend looked down at me And as he sat back down at home, as plain as day I see Those knowing eyes and slightest grin, his laugh at our expense Though when his movement did begin, my fright was most intense With grace and strength he taught us all, his realm untamed and free Sometimes it takes a bantam brawl, gorilla comedy

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