The Monkey Show, social media

He feigns as if to save
   the baby monkey from drown;
rub, squeeze, the tinny blue belly,
   until the milk gushes out of the mouth,
cheeks, and into the pink ears,
   unaware of the viewers' horror-hit eyes.

his hand continues pinching; shaking
   the little animal. he might say: this is only a test
to see your reaction;
   a snake slithers out of his grin; believing
he could fool the eyes; not know the fact that
   to do what he has done takes
a heart of steel or stone.

Why would he presume we could enjoy the show?
Because it is October? Why would Halloween need
all those gores? Because some sick minds wield
the guns and knives at school and malls?

As there are many thorny trees in this world, so are 
   many marigolds that thrive on love; that need to write 
a poem to allay the heart; to get some sleep at night. 

©Byung A. Fallgren