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What it is to be an ape., a short story by mark68. Date added: 2010-08-20. Times viewed: 768.

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What it is to be an ape

Look at the dignity of a mountain gorilla, the pride in himself and his family group; something missing! Yes, the frilly bit at the front of the brain that we have isn’t there. He has fingers, yes, he has eyes, yes, he communicates, yes, he knows what he wants, he takes his chances, yes, if he wants something he gives it a go, if he doesn’t like the odds he tends not to bother, yes, then we have something in common. He knows what to eat and what not to eat, he forms gentle relationships with females and plays with infants without hurting them. He knows his own strength, when and when not to use it; similar males get his full wrath, any outcome possible.

He is something you are not. It took him many years to leave his mother, he is now many years older still, and there he sits looking at you! A strange lack of features, a difference that isn’t interesting or stimulating in any way. He goes back to his food.

And the thing seems to be, whether you’re there or not, The World turns.

Mark Benniman 19-08-2010

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