the night zookeeper

when the zoo
closes at night
and the animals run
free. i see you
there with snacks
and books
making them
happy.
you go to their
cages and
give them a  pat
and rub
on their furry heads.
you let the seals
swim up
to you
and throw them
a fish or two.
the gorillas
like to read so
you give them
chekov and carver,
salinger and oates,
short stories
they can peruse
and read before
the sun comes up
and you have
to pack up and leave.
even the snakes
get a stop by, and
a hey slim, from you.
the monkeys, of
course are in your
pockets taking
everything they can
eat and chew.
monkeys. pfffft.
but you love them too.