I Belong in the Zoo

After destroying the house on a rainy day, Tessa’s mother tells her she belongs in the zoo. But when Tessa imagines setting off to start a new life with the caged animals, she learns that fitting in w

I belong in the Zoo    

My mother told me so.

But who would I live with?

I really do not know. 

But, fine. I’ll run away

And find a new place to call home.

I’ll  find somewhere where I fit in. 

I won’t end up alone.

The monkeys might take me,

I would fit in there.

Well, I would peel their bananas

and they could groom my hair. 

The only problem is,

I’m afraid of heights.

And having a friend who won’t climb trees

Could really start some fights. 

The snake house is one idea

I could really get behind.

My friend Dave has a pet snake

And they’re always intertwined. 

However I’m not sure the zoo would have

Any snakes fit to be a pet.

It could very well turn out to be

a decision I regret.

The zebra pen could be cool.

I could saddle one up like a horse.

We would prance around all day

and for fun; competitions of course. 

Though, I wouldn’t really fit in.

For they have lines of all types.

And they’d all point and laugh

At the girl with no stripes.

The panda cage looks peaceful

Those bears are so cuddly and cute.

I would love to sleep all day

And eat bamboo by the shoot. 

But, maybe I’d get tired,

Of such uneventful days.

I’d wish I had anything but,

a roommate that never plays

Penguins would make good roommates,

they slip and slide for fun. 

We’d never have a boring life.

We'd play until everyday was done.

Except, how long could I last

In a home covered in ice?

To constantly be cold,

sounds horribly not nice. 

The Prairie Dog exhibit 

Could be the place for me.

The pups are so perky,

it’d be a happy place to be.

However, they play in tunnels.

And I’m afraid I wouldn’t fit. 

I could try and squeeze my body in,

but eventually I’d have to quit. 

Giraffes and I would get along,

They could help me reach really high. 

And I’m sure they wouldn’t mind having

their own personal spy. 

But what about when they put me down,

And I’m standing at their feet.

Surely they’d forget about,

A friend they can’t even see. 

I’ve heard lions are pretty loyal,

I would love to be part of a pride.

I’d learn to roar and wrestle the cubs.

It’d be an honour, all jokes aside. 

Wait.. what if they got too hungry,

I’d probably start to look delicious!

With grumbling tummies they couldn't control,

things might get somewhat vicious. 

The cheetah has lots of cubs,

So I’m sure I could join right in.

I’d help them train and get in shape.

Heck! I’d even put spots on my skin.

Eventually, they’d grow and get faster.

I’d be left so far behind.

They could come back and wait for me,

But, I’d slow them down and they’d surely mind.

I could keep up with a tortoise.

She’d be nice and slow.

We’d lay back and relax each day,

With nothing to do, nowhere to go.

Except, sometimes I’d want to run,

and maybe play a little tag.

But what fun is never getting caught?

I don’t even mean to brag.

The elephants might welcome me. 

Those gentle giants are so wise.

And I’d never regret having an animal friend

of such magnificent size. 

 

But, while bunking with land’s largest mammal

Would surely be a rush

I doubt there’s anything in their cage

They don’t accidentally crush.

The fish tank is an obvious no. 

The crocodiles wouldn’t do. 

The birds won’t take a non-flier.

And the skunks? No thank you.  

I’m a little too scared of tarantulas. 

The wolves won’t add to their pack. 

Sloths are far too lazy. 

And to a grizzly bear I’d look like a snack.

I know that I am messy.

And can sometimes be quite wild.

But, I’m not so sure living in the zoo

Is the best thing for a child. 

Out of all the animals in the world,

And even the ones at the zoo. 

I really think I’m meant to be

Living right here with you. 

Author's Note

HI! I'm really interested in getting feedback on my rhyme. Any advice would be much appreciated. (:

Reviews

[Stan Lee]

This was a gorgeous little rhyming story. I can imagine it as a children's book with funny brightly colored illustrations. I'd buy it! Overall the metre is probably the only thing that you could work on as the rhyming is perfect. I really enjoyed the story line and all the different animals you incorporated. Well done. :)