It Takes a Zoo

It Takes a Zoo

An introductory poem for the It Takes a Zoo series, by Jumpin’ Jackrabbit (1973–2040).

Cold Boot — Part 1: Morning

Jamie works in a virtual cubicle farm where the sun isn’t real and her boss is named Stinky Pete. Then her coworker slides her a card with three words: “I’m about to change your life.”

Cold Boot — Part 2: Dinner

A kindness to a vending machine becomes a stumbling encounter with a neighbor named Geoff. By the time Stinky Pete has finished cataloguing her vitals, Jamie has only one move left: plug in.

Cold Boot — Part 3: Rain

There’s no sun on the server. Just rain, jazz, a tavern that reveals itself like memory, and a missing logout button that nearly sends Jamie running.

Cold Boot — Part 4: Greige. Again.

“So when were you gonna tell me this was a fetish server?” Anabelle has explaining to do. Jamie has truths she hasn’t said out loud in years.

Cold Boot — Part 5: Warmth

The bar applauds when Jamie comes back. A spiky teenager slides half her cursed soda across the counter — the first thing anyone’s offered without asking for something back.

Cold Boot — Part 6: Tide

Anabelle leads Jamie to a beach that smells like salt and tangerines, tells her to take off her corporate skin, and walks her into the surf. What’s underneath has been there all along.

Cold Boot — Part 7: Later

Jack notices the flinch. Vivian names what’s behind it. By the end of the night, Jamie isn’t sure if she’s okay — and learns she doesn’t have to be.

Cold Boot — Part 8: Knock

A knock at the door. No one there. Just paper, ink, and a drawing of a shark — and a name on the dedication that ties the whole night together.