Daddy, I Want a Giraffe!

August 18, 2016

Marc Algernon presents a humorous and relatable first-person narrative poem detailing a family excursion to the Emperor Valley Zoo in Trinidad and Tobago. The poem explores the whimsical persistence of a child’s desire for an exotic pet and the pragmatic, often comedic responses of a parent navigating such requests.

By documenting the specific sights and emotional shifts during the visit, the author captures a universal parenting moment set within a distinct Caribbean cultural context.

This piece provides insight into family dynamics and the innocent imagination of childhood, making it a valuable addition to the literature of local personal experiences. It serves as both a light-hearted creative work and a reflection on the joys and trials of fatherhood.

Key Takeaways

The narrative illustrates the boundless and often impractical imagination inherent in childhood desires.
Parental responses highlight the practical challenges and financial considerations of animal husbandry.
The Emperor Valley Zoo serves as a significant cultural backdrop for family bonding in Trinidad.
Marc Algernon uses rhythmic verse to convey the emotional transition from excitement to playful satisfaction.

Daddy, I Want a Giraffe: Navigating childhood desires at Emperor Valley Zoo

By Marc Algernon. “Darling I cannot afford, please do the math, it’s too expensive to buy a giraffe.”

I went to the zoo and tried not to laugh, when she said, “Daddy, I want a giraffe.”

In her bright yellow boots and her hat and her scarf,

she begged, “Daddy, can I get a giraffe.”

She skipped and she laughed, down the concrete path,

“Daddy, I want a giraffe.”

“Darling I cannot afford, please do the math,

it’s too expensive to buy a giraffe.”

“He would need to be fed, and given a bath,

I would not know where to start, if we had a giraffe”.

Her eyes went red, her lips curled with wrath,

she screamed, “DADDY, I WANT A GIRAFFE!”

As we opened our front door, she squealed with a laugh,

“Mommy look! Daddy bought a giraffe.”

Marc Algernon is a prolific Trinidadian writer and storyteller whose work explores the intricate tapestry of Caribbean life through a blend of personal narrative, folklore, and observational poetry. Since becoming a regular contributor to Sweet TnT Magazine and Sweet TnT Short Stories, Algernon has developed a reputation for capturing the unique rhythms of Trinidad and Tobago. Through a diverse portfolio that includes social commentary, humorous character sketches, and rhythmic verse, Algernon provides readers with an authentic window into the cultural nuances and everyday experiences that define the modern West Indian identity.

February 2014 – Issue 8 www.sweettntmagazine.com