Gibbons are high society.
They bungee through the trees
in search of insects,
and the missing members of their family.

Chivalry is not dead amongst the evergreens.
As the gentlemen sing their arias,
notes become duet mid-air,
the forming of an interconnected pair.

Two grasping hands
cradling sun and moon.
Demigods by noon, there's a rhythm,
if only in the stream's reflection.

The Gibbon's gaze shrinks mountains,
it understands social cues,
both auspicious and inauspicious, and
as prophesied, the Gibbon is gracious.

Courage means never being captured,
defending territory, offspring,
without retreat;
the Gibbon's no coward.

And while it roams in circles
manipulating the planet and stars,
cosmic power is way too uncouth.
The Gibbon returns to that special someone
to live out its life in noble truths.


©2025|K.F.Hartless

Photography taken April 2025 in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand.


19 responses to “The Gentlemen of the Forest”

  1. SUPERB! 👏

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Julie. I really enjoyed watching these creatures, and so at our next pit stop, I scribbled down a rough draft in my journal. I may not be quite as graceful as the gibbons, but I’m working on it.😊

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Bob Avatar

    Wonderful. And what great pictures.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Thank you, Bob. 😊 Our guide got us really close to a family of gibbons. She really knew the forest well. I learned much in just one day.

    Like

  4. Wonderful piece! Nicely crafted and perfect pix. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. The gibbons inspired it so I can’t take full credit. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  5. I like this stanza: “Two grasping hands
cradling sun and moon. 
Demigods by noon, there’s a rhythm,
if only in the stream’s reflection.”🌞🌝

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, EF. I read somewhere that long ago, the ancient tribes believed that the gibbons could cradle the sun and moon in their hands. It was too lovely a sentiment not to include. Cheers to you.  🌙☀️

      Like

  6. Beautiful photos and a wonderful tribute!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. I was truly amazed by these creatures. They have strength but also such a gentleness. I appreciate you stopping by.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I love this whole post, and the song too! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Tiff. I’d like to swing through the trees with my family all day. I’m really glad you enjoyed this post. 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Beautiful, Katie! Images and your thoughts. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Susi. I was so happy to escape the urban jungle for a real one. I hope to get back out that way again soon.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Definitely should, refreshers are necessary. You’re welcome!

        Like

  9. This was so lovely!!!💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you.💜🦋

      Like

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