Considering the extremely high nasty factor of my last post, I thought this would be the perfect time to share something sweet and simple, yet meaningful. I find this photograph simply precious. All of us can appreciate it for the loving sentiment it portrays, but I think particularly as a mother, I find it emotionally powerful. Initially, it evokes tenderness and respect. Yet oddly, when continuing to gaze at the image, I feel almost melancholy. It may correlate to the way their expressions portray a deeply somber look. I can’t make out if the young one is nursing or just snuggling, but the seriousness of their faces renders the impression that they are seeking comfort in one another. Perhaps I feel a tinge of sadness because it reminds me of the days when my little ones were littler and often content for long stretches of time, held snugly against my chest.
I suppose another plausible explanation is that it conjures untapped memories from a previous life. Come to think of it, when I was a child my mom’s brother did always taunt me by claiming he was a monkey’s uncle.
Regardless, I find the image to be quite touching. It reminds us of nature’s powerful bond between mother and child.
March 22nd, 2008 at 4:01 am
I saw a photo recently of a mummy polar bear with her cub, which just blew me away on a similar theme.
A polar bear, eight times the power of a man, ferrocious, aggressive, a honed killer, capable of ripping you to shreds in seconds…. gently caressing her cub and gazing down into it’s eyes with the love we come to recognise in a human maternal embrace. Powerful, surprising and moving.
“Mummy, don’t those monkey’s look like humans?”……
I have to smile wrily and quash my belief’s on the origins of our species……..
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 am
I’ve never before seen any thought put into the wisecracks made by my father. You definitely got an eye roll out of me…
March 22nd, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Or, she could just be picking bugs out of the little one’s scalp to eat them.
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I agree, Lynn. I’m certain there was no thought put into those wisecracks.
March 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 am
One of the happiest moments in my life is when I hold my little girl the same way — as she sleeps or when she just needs comfort.
It’s touching when you see the same love shared by other creatures.
April 3rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
This is such a sweet photo. There really is beauty in nature. Thanks for posting.