Peter Tomlinson
Ramapithecus Rex
It was a roar that filled his chest,
a strength that swelled his arms
and a sharp flint that hung brutally in his
hand.
His quarry to earth at last
after many hungry days.
Compassion not yet born
the scent of pain hung sweetly on the wind.
He felt his shoulders ease
and his stomach heave in malevolent joy.
His mouth salivated
and teeth bored sensually into his jaw.
Satiated, he took to the ground.
His followers came when he slept.
They approached hesitantly
to rummage in the carcass.
A jackal does not envy a lion the kill
but demands the remains.
The sun roused him
and the river beckoned.
Memory will have no track of him
as he shadows down agonising avenues of life
protected only by instincts and animal guile.
Time outran its measure and began again
before gnawing teeth marks on a fossilised
bone
were found to tell of his passing.
Page(s) 28
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