Bear In A Zoo Poem by Khadim Hussain

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

I used to live wild and free
In the wild forest
By untamed mountain streams

I miss the sound of game in the under growth
I miss the buzzing of honey bees

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

I miss the scent of game I used to chase
I miss the taste of berries I used to pick

I feasted upon fresh fish
From clear mountain streams
Now, I am fed Stale sickly fish

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

I miss the scent of carrion in fresh April rain
Now I have put up with stench of human beings

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

I miss warmth of my snug cave, where I used to hibernate
Here I am entertainment for people all the year around

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

I miss the first spring sight
Of mother and cubes
Here, there are none of my kind

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

I climbed might trees
In search of honey
Here all I can do is to scramble
Over few scattered logs

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

On warm sunny days, after feasting,
I would lay on soft grass, or
Scratch against my favourite tree
Here all I have is a sorry-looking pole

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

I used to wrestle other bears, to test my strength,
Impress female bears, looking for a mate

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

I shake my head rhythmically
And shuffle from spot to spot slowly

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

It’s not a dance I do
To amuse you
I’m slowly going mad

I’m a bear forced to live in zoo,
At my wits end, in pent up rage.

Doesn’t anybody understand,
I’m going mad!
Mad! Mad!

Don’t you understand?
I want to be free!
Free! Free!