The gibbons have watched us. They learn from our example and groom their small, fur-lined faces. A majestic mane for each small man, each small furry child. They play the-ground-is-lava to adulthood, swinging over the risks of the forest floor. But the games are just for show. They play it in order to keep patrol over their ‘exhibit,’ as our species call it. They keep track of our movements. They flit from tree to tree in order to make eye contact with every human that tried to reduce them to entertainment.

They tried to escape before the plague descended.

Written by Jeffrey Holmes, MFA – November 19, 2024

Just come back to the house, Jeff. We can get through this.

Dr. Rose Hanson-Holmes, Director 11/19/24