In parking lot B
from the bus descending
the wheelchair brigade
with those on foot tending
sets out for the first stop
— not a hop, skip and jump
but a trudge uphill and down
‘til, maps in hand, the lunch spot was found
Not one crane was in sight
in the Dancing Crane Cafe
but a flock of pink flamingos
outside, a short distance away
fluttered like nervous ingenues
in the wings before a play
while people indoors were munching merrily
their chatter an echoing cacophony
From place to place along the way
in open fields were seen
small herds of bison, antlered deer
giraffes, long-legged, long-necked and lean
and zebras with striped bodies
legs, ankles and knees
while monkeys with long tails
were swinging, and climbing on trees
A silver-back gorilla sat gazing at the sky
when he arose we saw him try
to suck sweetness from orange peels strewn around
with celery sticks upon the ground
while one young primate sat huddled
cuddled in his own embrace
and another held one arm
like a hat above his own face
A young lioness playfully
leaping about was ignored
by a huge, scruffy-furred lion
who seemed to be bored.
Not a grunt was heard
but some zebras were braying
and proud peacocks
their colorful tails were displaying
“Camel ride, anyone?”
“I think I will.”
The shout arose from those
who bravely chose
to clamber up on to the hump
to ride the big-teethed chewers
bouncing round the track
to the delight of all the viewers
Who these courageous were I’ll tell —
Joe, our driver, sitting tall
Rosemary, balanced so as not to fall
Cathy, all smiles and her mom as well
while Carol and Irene not to be outdone
along with Yolanda, joined in the fun
then back to the Dancing Crane Cafe
for ice cream to top off the day
Safely back home with the rest of us
the amazing, 100 year old Vera
smiled as she stepped off the bus
and Wardelle was pleased to relate
how she relished the New York hot dog she ate.
To Mother Margaret — our thanks and three cheers
as well as to drivers Joe and Mike, Little Sisters,
employees, aides and volunteers.
Click here for a photo slideshow from this event.
St. Joseph’s Home Safari at the Bronx Zoo