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Person of the Forest
Orangutan,
amid concrete and steel
you are far from a home
where once ancestors
lollied through trees and vines
familiar to your
thumbs and hands.
I watch you, now,
and wonder if you are happy
under the urban sky
so blue
it makes you blink.
Style / type:
Free verse
Last few words:
Wrote this after visiting a zoo.
Editing stage:
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Region & Country
United States
Favorite Poets
I tend to read Ted Kooser, Jim Harrison, Paul Simon, Robert Frost. I like minimalist poetry, and poems reflecting on nature and Mother Earth.
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Comments
Lavender
Mon, 2020-05-04 10:15
Hello, Jerry
I visited the zoo several years ago, and haven't been back. I did learn, however, that this zoo and many others are working with a foundation in Borneo to halt /stall deforestation and improve the climate and environment for orangutans. We humans have twisted the delicate balance in nature. I'm so glad we are becoming better educated now and made aware of how our interactions affect this big, blue, beautiful home.
Thank you!
L
author commentGeezer
Sun, 2020-05-03 22:33
I felt this...
deeply. I knew a man years ago that kept a couple of monkeys and a chimp, the chimp was mean and if he could grab your hand, he would try to bite you. He got out one time and there was a hell of a time to get him back. He was chained to his cage after that, and he just got meaner; not even the owner could get close to him. He led a very different life from where he was born. Even though he was mean, I felt sorry for him. This poem reminded me of that and even though it was about 60 years ago, I still see that chimp sitting there locked to his cage. I applaud both your sensitivity and your skill in bringing this to us all.
Thank you, ~ Geezer.
.
There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.
Lavender
Mon, 2020-05-04 10:28
Hi, Geezer
Extremely sad story about the chimpanzee and the other monkeys. Hopefully that sort of living dynamics is no longer allowed, or at least regulated. I'm glad we are starting to see how connected we are with every living thing, I know there is much to do, but more people seem to be aware now.
Thank you!
L
author commentLavender
Tue, 2020-05-05 08:47
Hi, Alan
Sometimes it doesn't take many words...
Thank you for reading!
L
author commentLavender
Wed, 2020-05-06 15:34
Hi, Teddy
Orangutans are so gentle and loving. Beautiful and sensitive, themselves! I appreciate you reading and commenting!
Thank you!
Lavender
author commentscribbler
Wed, 2020-05-06 17:00
Zoos
I am pleased that so many of the old type zoos are being replaced by more animal friendly ones. But even these are still just fancy jails. Alas the bars are needed but many don't realize its as much for the animals' safety as the visitors. And without zoos there would be many animals extinct now.
Lavender
Wed, 2020-05-06 19:47
Hi, Scribbler
You are right, many animals are being saved and healed in zoos now. Like many other animals, the poor orangutans' natural homes are diminishing. It sounds like the right steps are being taken to start preserving wildlife environments.
Thank you so much!
L
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