The Menagerie Goes for a Walk
Though more than beast, these poets boast of their unhuman minds
As coy menageries. He is less bard than barker who
Proclaims his tamed soul kin to what one finds
In aviary, aquarium, and zoo:
Tiger, eagle, panther, bear, skylark, snail, and all
That snuff and woof through hoops and waltz the wire’s tense
Expanse, or lewdly glance through bars, or balance balls,
Perform in metered step their master’s trained magnificence
And necessary pain, his captive lusts and high
Disdain of circumstance. How shall I advertise,
Against this three-ringed tedium, my circus? I
Have a cat that sulks in doorways and does not heed my cries.
No animals allowed. No cal nor dog though wind should rage
And blizzard bleach their pelts. Come, see an empty cage.
As coy menageries. He is less bard than barker who
Proclaims his tamed soul kin to what one finds
In aviary, aquarium, and zoo:
Tiger, eagle, panther, bear, skylark, snail, and all
That snuff and woof through hoops and waltz the wire’s tense
Expanse, or lewdly glance through bars, or balance balls,
Perform in metered step their master’s trained magnificence
And necessary pain, his captive lusts and high
Disdain of circumstance. How shall I advertise,
Against this three-ringed tedium, my circus? I
Have a cat that sulks in doorways and does not heed my cries.
No animals allowed. No cal nor dog though wind should rage
And blizzard bleach their pelts. Come, see an empty cage.