
Menagerie
Rows upon rows of vitrines
I pass, each meticulously kept
spotless throughout the years
allowing me to marvel
at horns, fangs, wings
and tentacles within
which spoke comforting words
in my mind, sanctuary
when I couldn’t be held
elsewhere. The air between
these cases once choked
on tears before calming
to howls and cetacean songs
still echoing through these halls.
In some areas, the ground
is so violently cracked
from my rage, it couldn’t
support the weight of my giant
ammonites any longer. I had
to move them. Through the cracks,
I let silver coral grow. I followed
myself through the eyes
and dreams of this menagerie
for so long, but lately I’ve been
having trouble seeing where else
I can be led—it’s time to leave
but as I do, afraid of where
and how I will change,
creatures that I have
no recollection of befriending
whisper in tongues
which I forgot I recognized
saying that though it is safe
to close the emerald-
scaled door on them, the viper
fang key should not be turned
and tossed away like how
I imagined this leaving would go—
you need only know to never
lock yourself away from us