The Monkey King

It’s a good day, but I sense it’s the last as life as I know it. I’m sitting in my spot, high above the camp overlooking my happy tribe. But I am uneasy, and not feeling as content as I do usually. Then I see him in the distance. This time he is not alone, he has five other ruffians with him. They move with fierce intent, building up their confidence along the way. Knocking over and challenging everything in their path--and they're moving rapidly and without pause.

My adrenaline is peaked and I put on a show of dominance as they arrive. But I am older now, and my display has left me a little exhausted. He has challenged me several times before and failed, but this day he is determined. He is young, strong, and relentless. Everyone watches in awe and horror. I am defeated within minutes and outcast into the jungle.

I’m shaking now. I peer through the leaves from afar and see him sitting in my spot, overlooking my tribe. The five hoodlums are already ravishing my daughters. Then my favorite wife comes up to him, bends over and offers him her posterior as a gesture of total submission. This is his reward. This is what he lived and fought for. What he was born to achieve. My other wives line up and follow suit. Like a string of harlots bowing down to the jungle while he samples them from behind.

Oh, what’s this dripping from my eyes? It’s clouding my vision. Everything is a watery blur and I can no longer see the terrible scene through the leaves. I’m still shaking. I feel numb and alone. I think of my mother who dreamed of me becoming King. But did she know this day would come? She had to.

If only I was smart enough to make a gun, then I would have had a fighting chance. But then, they would make guns too. Maybe I could have made something stronger like a bomb or a nuclear bomb! And just have made more bombs then they could. Then I would still be King.

I am alone, but not. Something is there with me, embracing me, healing me--but what? Who is out there watching me? How is he penetrating my soul with such loving warmth? My eyes fill with water again. But I hear the birds singing. I see some bananas and a clear flowing stream. I am so thirsty. There is life all around me. I see a path through the jungle, no doubt paved by a herd of elephants. If only I were smart enough to make a motor bike. Then I could ride the path and see where it takes me. That would be fun.