A pair of steel chains holds me back: frail

Two boulders are placed on my shoulders: heavy

Two red stars replace my eyes: dull

And my legs buckle in braces: weal

I collapse to my feet: weak 

But all could be reversed if I returned to the zoo

The zoo: a place of wonder, of tranquility 

A celestial garden where: 

Monkeys climb high trees, calling for their neighbors

Valiant, climbing without the fear of falling 

Koalas sleep silently, nothing to agonize about 

Because their next day was only siesta  

While mine was agitation, an anxious surprise

Peacocks smother in pleasure without being called cocky

While I’m called arrogant,

Solely showing my diligent, industrious work 

Plump pandas overindulging without anyone judging them 

While I only received side glances and disapproving, critical comments

Don’t be too fat or too skinny

Don’t be ugly or too pretty

The giraffes smile as wide as we once did

Running like they were free 

Free from the world’s absurd cruelty 

But their smiles weren’t real

They were forced like us

Only one of their three hearts beat

Two were broken, shattered 

The last one is on the brink of collapsing 

We were like these animals

Free, lively, impartial

But our eyes were opened too quickly 

Locked doors forced open

I wish for freedom.