As
A Zookeeper
You have to, first; put on your
hunter green safari shirt and khaki cargo shorts. Don’t forget your matching
hat. Its wide brim keeps the sun out of your eyes and the ventilated crown is
extremely breathable. While lacing up your ankle high work boots make sure you
haven’t tracked in any mud on the carpet or something worse. Look at yourself
in a full length mirror to get the full effect. Now you are a zookeeper.
Your key card allows you to access
every exhibit. You start by feeding the otters. Their slippery brown bodies
glisten in the sun. Admire their muscular torsos and webbed feet for a while as
they bask on the rocks. The largest female of the bunch barks at you while you
fill the water basin. You roll your eyes not amused. The female doesn't stop.
The continuing deep throated rasp triggers a migraine. Your skull is pounding
and pulsing in your ears. Finish the feeding as fast as you can.
You notice that the tiger has made a
tremendous mess inside its cave. Urine and feces mixed with the straw bedding camouflage
the floor. You retrieve a broom from the supply closet nearby. Thankfully the
red and black beast is asleep. The moaning a groaning you make due to your
headache wakes Timmy the tiger. He sulks in your direction never breaking eye
contact. You know from your training that you are never to run away from an
animal that is stalking its prey. Unfortunately you forget your training.
Battered and bruised the ambulance
takes you away. Your hats gone missing, your shirt is torn, the khaki color of
your shorts appear more black, and you’re missing a boot. You wake up in the
hospital with scratches up and down your back. You blacked out just as Timmy
attacked. You are scarred beyond repair but your physical wounds will heal. You
will decide that you are no good as a zookeeper.
