Madison

I once flew above treetops through endless sky But in this small wire cage I can’t even fly My claws used to catch prey on the forest floor But now I cannot hunt like I did before I can barely take three steps with this chain on my feet And then there’s the racket of roars, hoots, and bleats The other animals too are enclosed in small pens Much smaller than their natural forests, caves or dens I stare contemptuously at the ogling eyes outside Who look at me, shrug, and then pass me by Sometimes the zookeeper puts me on his arm He makes sure to tie the rope tight so I won’t cause anyone harm “The majestic eagle!” he says in a booming voice I sit quietly there since I have no other choice I ruffle my feathers, and he feeds me a rat The crowd watches and claps, the zookeeper bows and takes off his hat He invites the fat, grubby fingered children to touch my wings They pose with me for their parents, blinding me with bright flashy things Then the show’s over, and I’m in my cage once more Another mouse is shoved down my throat as the zookeeper locks the door