An African monkey—given in trade for therapy—comes
from a tribe known to worship a white-pallored deity—
long before whiteface Pierrots hit Paris. Its merriment
endorses the marrow within imagination and karma.

When a fixed smile hovers near
any ceiling, heartbreak might well
be ‘round the corner, hiding in dark
humor. Black-and-whiteness often veer
into opposites—listener and talker switch
archetypal and real-life roles. The barterer
dreamed of her husband’s honeymoon
request; “let me watch you make love
to a woman.” After her compliance—
and more over years—anger welled up
higher than guilt. Old habits festered
with repetition. Honeymoon euphoria
morphed into hysteria. Her monkey’s laugh
foreshadowed a battle-scared divorce.