Silverback Gorilla

 

Silverback Gorilla

By Deborah Sharma

Silverback gorilla your authority is revered, You were chosen for the skills that you bared. Your superiority instills obedience in your rule, A serious role, you are intolerant of any fool. In your esteemed magnificence you are set apart, Like respected royalty deemed a work of art. A striking presence in your remarkable pose, Threatening danger to any foolish foes. Warding off enemies with your majestic might, Keeping your clan’s ultimate safety in sight, For those rivals you beat your chest to intimidate, Displaying potent strength and astounding weight. But trials mount when humans destroy your lands, For farming and fuel which is out of your hands. You have to be aware of poachers lethal snares, Endangering your clan and reducing your lairs. Your spectacular power resolves conflicts, Deterring disorder before havoc inflicts. You have your pick of females eager to mate, Hoping to increase your numbers birth rate. You take on the inherited burdens to lead, And dutifully find new places to feed, Providing bamboos, plants and nettles, You retain your crown as hunger settles. You even sing when you find lush greenery, Cleverly revealing foliage among the scenery, Guiding the adults to build a day nest, Whilst young ones play as elders rest. Now as an aging silverback will you be taken down, By the plucky younger ones you want your crown? ~ Deborah Sharma ==========================================================

When my dad and I visited London Zoo (photo I took attached above, dad with the silverback), the silverback was sitting apart from the rest because he was such a powerful leader the zoo did not want any conflict between him and the other gorillas. He was quiet and I was fascinated by his size.  As a leader he has great responsibility but also the pressure to protect his clan with the constant threat of his position being usurped. So whilst there is glory in being the leader, there is also the weight of pleasing them and earning their respect.  As he had to prove himself through fighting for his position, I would say he had to believe in his abilities and respect himself first.