Silverback

Gorilla drawing by Owen Garratt

This gorilla drawing is the first in a series of wildlife chalk art drawings

W hen I was a young tyke, Tarzan was my absolute hero. 

I’m not sure whether my childhood obsession was because of Tarzan’s inherent coolness, or just that he got to hang out with The Great Apes…in fact, all of my imaginary friends were gorillas, (even if they did have names like Thor, Odin, and Mugsy).

My Tarzan fascination influenced my toys, food, TV, comics, drawings, bedroom decor, sports, and unfortunately, my haircut & fashion choices.

“Mom?”

“Yes?” she said.

“Do you think you could buy me some leopard skin underwear?” I asked.

“What do you mean ‘leopard skin underwear?!”

“You know, underwear that has a leopard skin pattern on it,” I said, and I thought I saw Mom sigh in a relieved manner. I don’t know what she thought I’d asked for, but she seemed happy to be mistaken.

“What on earth do you want leopard skin underwear for?” she asked.

“So I can look like Tarzan!” I said.

“You’re NOT running around the neighborhood in leopard skin underwear!” 

“But the leopard skin pattern would hide the fact that it’s underwear!  People would think I’m wearing a loincloth.” I reasoned.

“No, it wouldn’t, and no, you’re not.” she said.

“Well then can I have a real loincloth please?” I asked.

“NO!” Mom said.

“Is it that you don’t want me to have it, or don’t want me to wear it outside?” I asked.

“If you have it, you’ll try to wear it outside. Then every parent on the block will be phoning me!”

“I know! To find out where you got the loincloth!!” I said.

“Phfft, fine. Next time I’m at the loincloth store, I’ll see if they have something in your size.”

“Yay!  Thanks Mom!  And make sure it has a knife sheath on it!”

Alas, it was not to be. Every time Mom when to the loincloth store, they had nothing in my size.

I should’ve asked Grandma…!

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