Apes

Apes

 

 

A book I was reading the other day mentions a naturalist

who went to Cameroon in the late nineteenth century

to observe the gorilla.

He had himself placed in a cage with iron bars

(in a jungle clearing, I suppose)

so the gorilla could come close but not harm him.

“Understandably,” the author concludes, “he saw no gorillas”.

 

Why, I wonder, is it understandable?

And I can’t put aside that image:

a man in a cage, in a clearing

hopeful, apprehensive, peering into the verdant jungle

from where the gorilla peers back, keeping out of sight

making observations of his own.

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

This was great. I like the imagery it inspired. But evidently, the gorillas did not. Perhaps the gorillas thought if you see one white monkey in a cage you should be careful you aren't next. Love your moniker. I've a copy of the Ray Bradbury book on my shelf. He was a wonderful writer.

[Montag]

Thank you Fabian. The best thing about Montag is he's much more handsome in his uniform than I am.

[Ken e Bujold]

this is my first read of yours Montag, and I will be back I can assure you. This is a superb bit of writing, finely tuned to show just how careful a craftsman you are. the last line is a killer

ken e

[Montag]

Sir, I trust you are thriving in the Great White North. Thank you for your kind words.

[Ken e Bujold]

thriving yes, because fortunately I'm not shivering yet.