The Not-For-Petting Zoo (Poetry)

There are no signs — experience suggests
the rule is ‘DO NOT TOUCH’ — it’s really best
to keep within a mental safety zone
and it’s never wise to venture near alone.

They may look harmless — normal — even nice
they might behave the first time, maybe twice
but friendly they are not — there lurks beneath
each mild expression a mad set of teeth.

It isn’t obvious — I’ll grant you that
quite likely they’ll roll out the welcome mat
and seem quite charming — but be well-advised
it’s risky to encourage or change sides.

In public they behave and stay polite
in private they attack and kick and bite
verbally abuse — observe the scars —
so keep your distance — don’t approach the bars.

They are an odd assortment — genes and all
that blood has grouped together should appal
the visitor who’s merely come to view
this not-for-petting pseudo human zoo —

Delinquent parents; cousins; uncles; aunts —
relations gathered seemingly by chance
to single out the victim of the day...
stay off the menu — keep the hell away!