Last week, as I drove across Alabama for the Book Expo Tour (so much fun connecting with librarians across the state!), I had a few adventures along the way.
Some of them were challenging (death of car battery), and others were pure joy: visit to Alabama Safari Park, just outside of Montgomery.
This is a drive-thru safari, and the way it works is, you buy buckets of feed. Well, as you can imagine, these animals are quite accustomed to cars and buckets!
Some were kind of greedy, yanking the entire bucket from my hands! Others (looking at you, Mr. Llama!) stood in front of my car blocking my path until I offered a snack.
A few were curious about the (classical) music coming from my car speakers. (See pic at the end of the post!)
Even though my favorite, the giraffes, were in the barn due to the weather (rain), it was a lot of fun meeting new friends.
AND I guess it inspired this week's ArtSpeak: PICASSO poem. I did have a moment of fear when a young bull came charging toward my car!
But then, a bit further along the drive, a herd of bison were resting in the grass, paying no attention to me whatsoever.
Thanks so much for reading!
soft-eyed bison
nests in sunshine and spring grass
afternoon nap
- Irene Latham
And here's one more pic....perhaps a poem for another day!
Some animals show off, and some rest easy. How great that you found a 'just right" experience and picture to accompany Picasso's bison with your picture-perfect words, Irene!
ReplyDeleteThis post is adorable. Fun to hear about the different animal personalities. Your bison poem is the perfect accompaniment. :)
ReplyDeleteHehe! We went on a drive-thru safari thing in Oregon in the spring. So much fun, and lots of rules in place to keep the animals happy and safe. I love your unexpected soft-eyed bison...
ReplyDeleteCharming, Irene! So peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThe zebra likes classical music? That does sound like a poem. xo
Hmmm, Perhaps you're having too much fun Irene... This park looks like a blast and hooray for gentle bulls!
ReplyDeleteIt must be fate, Irene-- I'm reading your lovely poem about a nap after just waking up from a nap! Thank you for sharing your fabulous day out with all of us, and happy Poetry Friday!
ReplyDeleteHow fun! I love the eyelashes on big, sleepy cattle of any kind. Those eyelashes make them look so human and related to my love of naps!
ReplyDeleteYour safari adventure looks like fun! I love the idea of a "soft-eyed bison" and for whatever reason, it called to mind Ferdinand, the bull, with his butterfly love.
ReplyDeleteSo much fun, Irene! Perhaps Picasso's bison is a Ferdinand :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely subtle message that we don't have to be what the stereotype says we "ought to" be!
ReplyDeletePicasso and your bison go hand in hand. Love this post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun adventure! My grands would love it. I like how you gave the bison a “soft eye” to make him seem kinder.
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