The Zookeeper
I am the keeper.
Though my zoo may be invisible, the animals within can be heard and felt.
My zoo isn’t in one specific location - it moves to every room I step in. Every outside adventure is a journey through pens and animal dens.
I may often look alone, but I assure you, a companion is never far.
When I walk, I have the Black Dog forever at my heels, while the Black Panther strides alongside me. I can stand straight with the help of the White Serpent coiled around me.
Every breath of existence is a circus act of juggling my pets.
Although they may not be kind, they are not malicious. They stay true to their nature. We are all in the fight for survival. They may be in a fight to be the sole survivor ‐ my fight is to breathe, to learn, to coexist.
The Dog may come with a cloud, but I’ve learned to enjoy the smell of the rain.
The Panther may come with lightning and fire, but I’ve learned to appreciate what is revealed in its light.
The Serpent may come with venom, but I’ve learned to enjoy the warmth it brings when it fades.
The Monkey may come with noise, but I’ve learned to enjoy the peace that follows when it leaves.
The Elephant may come with weight, but its eyes are kind.
The Anchor may come with a chain, but I’ve learned to appreciate the wonders of the seafloor.
Though I am chained, I am as free as I ever was. My thoughts can flow like the water that surrounds me. I can choose where the current takes me.
The tide always brings me to the same place - a place with a full moon and stars aplenty. A fire that's asks no questions. A place where family gathers - not to fix me, but to sit with me.
A place where the Dog and Monkey can come and go as they please - seen and heard, but with a quick pat, their tails wag, and they return to the shadows.
A place where the Panther can curl up beside me and purr, it's vibrations felt within, the Serpent resting nearby, coiled but still.
The Elephant stands behind me with its kind eyes, and there it remains.
Regardless of how deep the Anchor may sink me, this is where I choose to stay.
Though my zoo may be invisible, I am still its keeper. I belong to them as much as they belong to me.
Much can be learned by gazing into the eyes of beasts. That is why I study them - to learn something from each one within. The knowledge will follow me forever.
I am the keeper.
Of knowledge and pain.
This is my zoo.
6d ago
May 29, 2026 at 9:50 AM UTC
The Zookeeper
I am the keeper.
Though my zoo may be invisible, the animals within can be heard and felt.
My zoo isn’t in one specific location - it moves to every room I step in. Every outside adventure is a journey through pens and animal dens.
I may often look alone, but I assure you, a companion is never far.
When I walk, I have the Black Dog forever at my heels, while the Black Panther strides alongside me. I can stand straight with the help of the White Serpent coiled around me.
Every breath of existence is a circus act of juggling my pets.
Although they may not be kind, they are not malicious. They stay true to their nature. We are all in the fight for survival. They may be in a fight to be the sole survivor ‐ my fight is to breathe, to learn, to coexist.
The Dog may come with a cloud, but I’ve learned to enjoy the smell of the rain.
The Panther may come with lightning and fire, but I’ve learned to appreciate what is revealed in its light.
The Serpent may come with venom, but I’ve learned to enjoy the warmth it brings when it fades.
The Monkey may come with noise, but I’ve learned to enjoy the peace that follows when it leaves.
The Elephant may come with weight, but its eyes are kind.
The Anchor may come with a chain, but I’ve learned to appreciate the wonders of the seafloor.
Though I am chained, I am as free as I ever was. My thoughts can flow like the water that surrounds me. I can choose where the current takes me.
The tide always brings me to the same place - a place with a full moon and stars aplenty. A fire that's asks no questions. A place where family gathers - not to fix me, but to sit with me.
A place where the Dog and Monkey can come and go as they please - seen and heard, but with a quick pat, their tails wag, and they return to the shadows.
A place where the Panther can curl up beside me and purr, it's vibrations felt within, the Serpent resting nearby, coiled but still.
The Elephant stands behind me with its kind eyes, and there it remains.
Regardless of how deep the Anchor may sink me, this is where I choose to stay.
Though my zoo may be invisible, I am still its keeper. I belong to them as much as they belong to me.
Much can be learned by gazing into the eyes of beasts. That is why I study them - to learn something from each one within. The knowledge will follow me forever.
I am the keeper.
Of knowledge and pain.
This is my zoo.