"Thoughts in a Zoo" is a poem by the prolific Harlem Renaissance writer Countee Cullen. The eighteen-line poem focuses on the idea that humans are very similar to animals in a zoo, unable to look past the bars of their cage even if they wanted to.
The poem begins by promoting a "them versus us" sentiment, explaining that there are two groups both looking at each other from behind the bars of their cages. Though they are unable to make contact with each other, they glare at one another with hatred and rage.
However, though the poem opens by mentioning the animosity between the two groups, rage is not the only emotion shared between them. Cullen notes that each group is "commiserating each other's woe," implying that each group understands the limitations placed upon them and subconsciously wants them removed.
"Thoughts in a Zoo" compares humans to several animals, including an eagle, a mole, and a snake. Most notably, it is mentioned that the nature of the mole is to burrow itself, intentionally caging itself in and restricting its ability to "bound". In comparison, the snake is free to roam above ground and between bars, but often just prefers to stay where it is.
Cullen ends the poem by questioning the reader which style of life is necessarily more fruitful or wretched. While each animal in the zoo has a different approach to life, each remains quite similar in its motives and goals.
