the city zoo

do i regret

moving this close to the zoo?

sometimes.

but then

there are times

when i lie

back and enjoy the chatter

of monkeys,

the roar

of the lions,

the thunder of elephants.

seals flapping

fins

together for fish.

i like to hear

the exotic birds flutter

beneath

the net that holds

them captive.

it's just the wind

in the summer carrying

the pungent

smell of it all

across the road

that brings

me to tears.