Lore of the ape, master of thumbs: that
beneath him stouter branches sag, blunt
stones and jagged bones are his tools.
Shocks of what’s slightly hair, most
matted; queer bulks of an arm fastened
to yoke-shoulder. White ape, apple-face,
pectorals swollen to milkless breasts
on males—a voice, a shadowy piece,
and weight—that’s the lore of the ape.
-2003
