Walking through the zoo,
One may find that, indeed,
All animals are the same.

Behind restricting bars
Held in place by society’s strong cement,
Hungry tigers prowl, growling,
Muttering:
“My thighs are too fat.
My ears are too round.
Sustenance can only take away
From my image.”

In the next cage over,
The hooded eyes of a giraffe
Blink in confusion after a recent
Self-inflicted blow to her head.
“My neck is too long.”
Then another attempt,
Dangerously futile.
No one can change the unchangeable.

Inside safe cases filled with faux trees and stone,
The snakes curl up into their own mouths,
To hide forever
From their reflections in the glass.