Rtfm 13 Monkey See Poem by Stewart McKenzie

On a trip to the zoo I came to a room
Where an orangutan was learning a language.
I watched for a while as this patient ape,
Plump from the food rewards of training,
Made sign conversation with his teacher.
“Any questions? ” she asked as the class reached a recess.

I asked what to me was the obvious question
“Has he told you anything new? ”
She looked to see if I was mocking or simple,
Found neither, laughed nervously, moved on.
The orangutan placidly watched this exchange
As he ate his recess banana.