GETTING CARDED

1 1 6 Y G E T T I N G C A R D E D C H A R L E S M A R T I N We couldn’t know what we would lose When the endangered species sign Began to turn up in our zoos – A small white card propped up on a Shelf in front of the cage or pen Of one selected for this honor, Translated from its habitat Into a compact modern flat. By what endangered, or by whom, It couldn’t know until too late: One day it woke up in this room Where it patrols compulsively The borders of its shrunken state And stares at what it cannot see: Far dominions, other powers. Its glance keeps on avoiding ours. You wonder why it didn’t learn, Although, quite frankly, it seems not Even to share your mild concern. Time to move on: the fourth grade class Behind us wants to claim our spot And press its faces to the glass. We leave endangered and its text And wonder who’ll get carded next. ...