Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

Death of a Gorilla

I don’t know how a boy slipped down
And landed in a cage
Which housed a huge gorilla,
Prompting anger, grief and rage.

For when the ape then dragged the boy
The keepers at the zoo
Decided that a killing shot
Was what they had to do.

I’d hate to be the person
With that awful call to make,
But I understand the reason
With a human life at stake.

Yet, after all is said and done
I still can’t understand
Why there wasn’t anybody there
To hold that young boy’s hand.

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Matthew Anish May 31, 2016 at 6:33 PM Do you remember from the Jewish prayer book - who shall be killed by beast I went to Orthodox services when I was younger but now I do go on Fridays to Conservative, Reform, or New age services. Very sad tale you tell in this work. Peace & Love Matthew Anish

Andrea Dietrich May 31, 2016 at 6:20 PM It was a very sad story . I heard it the other day in the news too. Poor gorilla!! Silly little boy!

Maurice Rigoler May 31, 2016 at 3:09 PM Good last question, Ilene. Kids at that age are quick to disappear from even the best watchful parents. I saw the video and my heart went out for the boy, not knowing how the gorilla would react. My red-tail hawk poem (one of many I've written) is an example of my "serious" poetry with some of the questions that have plagued my mind for a long time. Thanks for reading it. / M

Kim Merryman May 30, 2016 at 5:55 PM A great write on a sad story, Ilene! I too wonder how the boy was able to get close enough to fall in. I'm glad he's ok. Love, Kim

Becca Teagan May 30, 2016 at 4:41 PM Ilene... yes I heard about this!! We've have much debate about it.... the zoo should make it so that no child could ever fall in... and parents should watch their children carefully just in case. Sad story, but I'm thankful the boy is ok.

Jan Allison May 30, 2016 at 3:32 PM oh Ilene I hope this wasn't a true story - what a sad sad tale:-( hugs Jan xx Jan Allison May 31, 2016 at 9:59 AM Now seen the press - a tragic story with sad a sad outcome - shame the animal couldn't have been sedated but then the child could have been in even more danger:-( hugs Jan xx