Monday, July 20, 2020


Jane Goodall is an English primatologist and anthropologist.[4] Considered to be the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees, Goodall is best known for her 60-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees since she first went to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania in 1960.[5]
She is the founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots programme, and she has worked extensively on conservation and animal welfare issues. She has served on the board of the Nonhuman Rights Project since its founding in 1996.[6][7] In April 2002, she was named a UN Messenger of Peace. Goodall is also honorary member of the World Future Council. (Wikipedia)





THOUGHTS OF A GRATEFUL CHIMP

The day Jane hugged me
I felt her heart untamed
A jungle breathing
Untethered to vines of ignorance
that kill animals without restraint

Her hug contained infinity
A touch of holy tenderness
Love unstoppable
Bravery against those who fail to see
My value in the wilderness

I thank all who follow Jane
Assisting her idealistic quest
To help humanity become humane
Acknowledging dignity of the wild
Because all creatures deserve respect



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12 comments:

  1. Sherry Blue SkyJuly 20, 2020 at 6:38 PM

    Ah, I love this, Myrna, especially that "touch of holy tenderness." I am sure you have seen the video about Jane being hugged gratefully by a chimp after being set free in the forest. Animals know which humans have the good hearts.............a wonderful poem. So glad you wrote for the prompt.

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  2. Elephant's ChildJuly 20, 2020 at 8:39 PM

    Loud applause. For your poem and for all the Janes in this world. We need both.

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  3. BrendanJuly 21, 2020 at 3:22 PM

    The moment here so intimate and tender and clear. Thanks for bringing this to earthweal.

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  4. AnonymousJuly 21, 2020 at 5:56 PM

    She is a wonderful woman. Suzanne of Mapping Uncertainty

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  5. TruedessaJuly 21, 2020 at 6:17 PM

    I love the message here! Animals understand caring hearts and will reciprocate that intuitive love. Beautiful words, an ode to Jane.

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  6. Kim M. RussellJuly 22, 2020 at 3:38 AM

    I so admire the way that Jane and others like her communicate with animals and do whatever they can to save them from other humans – and extinction. I love that you wrote this from the point of view of the chimp, Myrna, and that it ‘felt her heart untamed / A jungle breathing’.

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  7. JIm FeeneyJuly 22, 2020 at 6:49 PM

    A fitting tribute! Well done! JIM

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  8. KerfeJuly 23, 2020 at 5:02 AM

    There are few who actually meet other species on their own, equal, terms, but she is one of them. A fitting tribute.

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  9. ashokJuly 24, 2020 at 1:44 AM

    Interesting info on Jane Goodall...and a fitting tribute Myrna...

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  10. GeorginaJuly 24, 2020 at 5:27 AM

    This is a wonderful tribute to Jane Goodall and beautifully written.

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  11. SusanJuly 24, 2020 at 12:37 PM

    "I felt her heart untamed
    A jungle breathing"

    I love every second of this poem!

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  12. LindiJuly 24, 2020 at 3:04 PM

    Such an amazing woman - and such a warm, tender telling of your meeting. Beautiful.

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