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