by Julia Griffin

“Chinese zoo denies its sun bears are humans dressed in costumes
Hangzhou zoo insists animals are real after video of one standing on hind legs
triggers online speculation…”
—The Guardian

“’Some people think I look too human when I stand up,’ the Hangzhou Zoo’s statement said.”
—The New York Times

I want this video’d, not versified,
The proof I’m bear, not human, ursified.
I stood upon my hind legs. What of that?
Has no one seen a meerkat acrobat?
I like at times to rest my foremost paws,
Or, possibly, to win some slight applause;
And if I waved, I merely meant to say:
“Thank you. I see you. Please, now, go away.”