the zoo

‘Will you come to the zoo?’ my father suggested.

I originally said yes but then I reflected;

Why put myself through that, I’m an intellectual,

His tauntings in the past were so objectionable.

I rang my father back and told him to consider

The fact that the zoo was a long walk to deliver.

I originally was going to cancel our outing,

I was ready for strong words and anger and shouting.

Instead I got a totally different response,

He was understanding and calm and approachable for once.

‘Dad I really don’t think around the whole zoo I'll make it!’

He said ‘just do your best and I’ll take it.’

So the trip to the zoo was back on once again.

We were going to see all the animals in their pens.

I hope there won’t be lots of kids running around,

I couldn’t deal with all the screaming and sound

That they make when the all get excited.

At least my dad seemed to be delighted.

And even though I’m grown and I’m going on in years,

My dad could still taunt me and bring me to tears.

He insists and he says he’s a changed man inside,

But the fear in my gut is not going to subside,

Until the time were off to the zoo,

A smile on his face and one on mine too.