On a Day When I’d Rather Not Talk

Sometimes, a trip to the local zoo is just the thing. These beautiful creatures – whom I wish were able to live in the wild but have been raised in captivity, so can’t – always make me feel peaceful.

My three-year-old granddaughter Maeve likes them, too. On a recent trip to Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota, the animals were more active than I’d seen in a while. I remember going to this zoo with my parents when I was a kid, and it’s been vastly improved since then. The animals now have more room to move, are better understood and, thus, better cared for than all those years ago. The sun was out, it was warmer than it had been the week before (as in above zero!), and we all needed some time outside. The animals offered us some much-needed joy.

And moments of joy must be shared. Here you go.

I think I’ve found one of my refuges for the next long while – wandering among the animals.

All photos by kcmickelson 2025, shot with an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Published by Kathleen Cassen Mickelson

Kathleen Cassen Mickelson is a Minnesota-based writer who has published work in journals in the US, UK, and Canada. She is the author of the poetry chapbook How We Learned to Shut Our Own Mouths (Gyroscope Press, 2021) and co-author of the poetry collection Prayer Gardening (Kelsay Books, 2023). View more posts

7 thoughts on “On a Day When I’d Rather Not Talk”

So glad you found your joy, and shared it with us, at Como with your sweet granddaughter. How can she already be three?

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Kathleen Cassen Mickelson says:

February 5, 2025 at 3:09 pm

She’s growing up fast!

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Thank you for sharing these uplifting photos. There is something so soothing about looking at animals, especially the ones relaxing in the sun.

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Soon you’ll have your own animal for peace and contentment. 🙂 I love the zoos that have only a piece of glass between you and the tigers. Or polar bears. Up close and personal reminds you of your place in the hierarchy, and of how impressive the animals are. Great pictures!

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