Poetry Challenge #134-Your Inner Animal
Zoologically speaking, I’m a huge fan. If you’re response is “Boo to Zoo!” Have you been to a zoo lately?
Of the ones I’ve visited, and we seem to visit a lot, nowadays, most recently The San Diego Zoo, here’s what I’ve noticed: the animals in the zoo have not been captured ruthlessly. for the most part they are rescues. (Don’t believe me, read the signs.)
FYI: “The first modern zoo was established in the beauty of Vienna, Austria with the order of Emperor Francis I in 1752. It was created to viewing pleasure of the imperial family, but in 1765 it was extended to the public.”—via https://happydays365.org/zoo-lovers-day/national-zoo-lovers-day-april-8/.
While on the subject of the San Diego Zoo, one of the most interesting “Road Trip” books I’ve read is Lynda Rutledge’s West With Giraffe, non-fiction that reads like a novel.
What’s more animals are gorgeous, fascinating, interesting…all the ings.
Poetry Challenge #134
Access Your Inner Animal
Imagine you’re an animal at the zoo. (If you’re not a fan of the zoo, then for purposes of this prompt, channel Dr. Dolittle.)
Write a poem from that animal’s point-of-view. What does it see, think, feel? Who are its friends/enemies? When is dinner?
How would you describe the people looking at you?
What would you think they love based on the people they’re with or what they’re wearing or eating?
If you spoke the same language, what would you say to them?
For extra fun, see if you can’t use words that sound like your animal. Ssssay for instance, you are a python…
Set your timer for 7 minutes
Start writing!
Don’t think about it too much; just do it!
*This photo links to an article about the trip from NY to San Diego with the giraffes. Click: “How A Gift of Giraffes in 1938 Helped Make the San Diego Zoo.”
Cindy Faughnan and I began this 7-Minute Poetry Challenge MORE THAN 3600 days ago! We now take turns creating our own prompts to share with you. If you join us in the Challenge, let us know by posting the title, a note, or if you want, the whole poem in the comments.