The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Notes About The Poem

My Spirit Animal Is a Zoo

Beware the morning tiger
Before his first coffee
     Look out for the afternoon lizard:
     Ectotherm on the sidewalk soaking in other people’s acknowledgement
          On occasion I’m a hummingbird
          Seeking life’s nectar while shying away from human contact
               Sometimes I’m a dolphin
               Smiling and dancing in the waves
                  Last week I felt like a beaver
                  Getupgotoworkdomyworkgotobedgetupgotoworkdomyworkgotobed
                  (do beavers even have beds?)
                        Whatever happened to the puppy
                        Who would romp exuberantly through the day
                        Eventually collapsing in utterly exhausted joy?

Be wary of the electric eel
Who will zap you if you get too close
     Look at the proudly preening peacock
     Hoping somebody will notice me
          Occasionally I’m a jackrabbit
          Always on my guard, ready to run away from conflict
               At times I’m a giraffe
               Able to rise above the dust of the day
                    This week I was a worker bee putting in a day’s work
                    Happy to let the Queen be in charge
                         Whatever else I may be, I feel like a White Rhino
                         Older, wiser, stronger, endangered
 
My spirit animal is a zoo
                                                               …or a puppy
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Gauthier Avatar
August 4, 2020 at 10:28 PM
Wow ~ what a vivid imagination ~ a fun read, John
Watt Avatar
August 8, 2020 at 1:32 PM
Kind of you to say, Line. I couldn't decide on one animal!
Faulkner Avatar
April 23, 2020 at 10:41 PM
I love this, John! I also feel like a zoo sometimes - I like the comparison to the white rhino the best-
Watt Avatar
April 23, 2020 at 11:24 PM
Yes, I feel endangered sometimes, especially at work! Thanks for dropping by, Michelle.
Dietrich Avatar
January 26, 2020 at 4:32 PM
and of course, i can never forget this one with its interesting title. Let me know if you had other favorites. Do you have other poems you have written which are not appearing here at Soup?
Watt Avatar
January 27, 2020 at 1:28 AM
I'm glad you liked this title, Andrea. I was thinking about naming one of my future books this ~ John
Dietrich Avatar
January 23, 2020 at 11:34 AM
oh, and a belated congrats.
Watt Avatar
August 8, 2020 at 1:38 PM
Thanks, my friend!
Dietrich Avatar
January 23, 2020 at 11:28 AM
This is utterly charming and very unique in that you chose many different animals. I can see why its a personal favorite of yours. It's now one of mine as well!!
Watt Avatar
August 8, 2020 at 5:16 PM
A truly lovely comment, my dear friend!
Barden Avatar
January 7, 2020 at 10:18 PM
Superb write. Blessings and congrats on your win in John's contest, John - keep on writing, my friend, and thank you for sharing. Blessings! :o)
Watt Avatar
August 8, 2020 at 1:45 PM
Thanks for the blessing of your blessings (and your friendship), Greg.
Leiser Avatar
January 6, 2020 at 6:20 PM
Congrats on your win, John! So glad you entered this creative and entertaining poem! :)
Watt Avatar
January 6, 2020 at 9:28 PM
So glad you came by for a visit, dear one! I so appreciate your friendship and encouragement. Hugs ~ John
Roper Avatar
January 5, 2020 at 3:42 PM
Congratulations on your win. Hugs Eve
Watt Avatar
January 5, 2020 at 7:10 PM
Thank you, Eve for your kind visit and words. Congrats to you in the contest as well!
Chiri Avatar
January 5, 2020 at 1:45 PM
Congratulations on your win!;)
Watt Avatar
January 5, 2020 at 7:09 PM
Brenda, thank you for the encouraging words and congratulations to you as well!
Hamilton Avatar
January 5, 2020 at 1:44 PM
Welcome John to the winners circle, I thoroughly enjoyed this write of yours, thanks for entering!
Watt Avatar
January 5, 2020 at 6:22 PM
John, thanks for sponsoring this contest and for the kind selection. Happy writing! ~ John
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace