Marugu Mo | + Follow Poet |
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The Animal Orphanage

Its the sight waft of rotting flesh
That first hits you
While the smartly dressed
Smiling warden ushers you in,
Through narrow turnstiles

There are rows of enclosures
A maze of them, a maze of the wild
Its like a snapshot of danger
A dangerous predator-laden savanna
Danger enclosed

Lions...
You will hear their shouting matches
Royal majestic roars
Like cage competitions
Even the females join in
While one stares you down
Sizing you up
Like a piece of flesh
(Well come to think of it...)
Some males lie down
Nonchalant

Amidst the noise
The leopard paces in its enclosure
Waiting for its daily ration
While the young buffalo
Grazes nervously,
Its enclosure next to the lions

They have emergency exits
Just in case...
You will spot a Serval cat
A croc, bored
And nervous rare Sokoke cats
Terribly out of place...

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Anne-Lise Andresen Date: 3/28/2024 2:06:00 PM - Life in captivity is the worst form of existence because every living being, whether animal or human, was created to be free - Unfortunately, all too often we come across stories of animals that end up spending their lives in chains or cages and never get the chance to experience freedom ... terribly sad - A great poem ... I hope it can open our eyes and see what is happening - hugs Login to Reply

Silent One Date: 3/28/2024 11:31:00 AM Your excellent poem is a poignant exploration of the moral complexities of zoos and the ethical implications of human intervention in the natural world. It challenges the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about our relationship with animals and the consequences of our actions on their well-being.. Powerful words my friend. Login to Reply

Daniel Henry Rodgers Date: 3/28/2024 7:45:00 AM Hello Marugu, your depiction of transported me into a world where the wild meets captivity. The scent of decay mingles with the anticipation of danger as wardens guide visitors through narrow pay-gates. Yet amidst the tension, glimpses of boredom and displacement emerge the complexities of confinement. Your poetic words invite reflection on the delicate balance between preservation and captivity, where empathy finds a place to dwell even in the heart of danger. - Blessings, Daniel Login to Reply

Tom Woody Date: 3/28/2024 5:59:00 AM All of them terribly out of place. I think we all share mixed feelings on the caging of animals, but mostly disgust, I think. Still, they fascinate. Awesome poem Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 3/28/2024 6:08:00 AM Glad to hear released. I once wrote an interesting poem on Masai Mara, from the viewpoint of the animals. Not sure I still have it Marugu Mo Date: 3/28/2024 6:02:00 AM Hi Tom. This poem is a work in progress. The orphanage is a rescue center where they bring them for treatment, observation and tagging. Eventually they are released. The sokoke cats am not so sure though