avatarDenise Larkin, BA (Hons)

Summary

The website content presents a reflective poem on the nature of animals in a zoo, discussing their captivity and the complex emotions associated with it, alongside links to more works by the author and information on how to become a writer for Medium.

Abstract

The poem titled "The Zoo" delves into the paradoxical life of animals in captivity, highlighting the dichotomy between the enjoyment humans derive from observing them and the animals' suppressed instincts and desire for freedom. It touches on the protective nature of gorillas, the altered behavior of lions due to zoo life, and the general sense of confinement and resentment felt by these creatures. The author, Denise Larkin, emphasizes the importance of these animals in the ecosystem and advocates for their significance beyond mere exhibition. The content also provides links to additional poetry and articles by Larkin, as well as an invitation to join Medium as a writer and subscribe to her publications.

Opinions

  • The author conveys a sense of empathy towards the animals, recognizing their emotional states such as protectiveness, laziness, and resentment.
  • There is a clear criticism of the practice of keeping animals in zoos, suggesting it leads to a disastrous deed that alters their natural behavior.
  • The poem suggests that humans often overlook the feelings of rage and the desire for freedom in zoo animals, focusing instead on their own curiosity and entertainment.
  • The author believes that despite the perceived safety of keeping animals in zoos, it is a necessary measure to prevent their endangerment in the wild due to human activities like hunting and poisoning.
  • Larkin implies that animals are crucial to our world, not just as zoo exhibits but in a broader, more meaningful context.
  • The content also reflects the author's professional opinion on writing and publishing, encouraging others to share their work and join the Medium platform.

The Zoo

A poem about animals in a zoo

Photo by Paula Borowska on Unsplash

Animals are part of our nature Watching them is fun As they go about their life Living and being rife.

Gorillas Sometimes A dangerous pack They love their families As they are Caged, protective, vigilant.

Lions hunt for food Living in a zoo Slows them down Weakness And laziness intrudes Not living as they need A disastrous deed To pursue, trap, fight.

Locked in a cage We cannot Contemplate Their feelings of rage Sitting quietly As we stare Watch, point, and study Their glare.

Staring back at us Hating, angry, and resentful They want Their freedom To be A wilderness of space But alas Enraged, unhappy And in contempt Hunted and used Abused, ravished, rooted A terrible fate.

Locked up For safety Some are captured Some are freed But most think This is the way it must be Because They cannot Live amongst us For danger To humans Is applied.

So, you see It is the right way It is best They are locked away And not out In the wilderness For someone To hunt Poison, slaughter, slay Or crucify Their prey.

So, next time You visit the zoo Watch a gorilla Or a lion See how they Live, play, eat And sleep But remember They are Important, significant, vital Imperative, crucial And necessary And meaningful In every way.

©️ Denise Larkin 2020. All Rights Reserved.

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Animals
Life
Poem
Poetry
Pets
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