Jack Webster Poet Rhyme

Stuck ---------- Contest Entry

Harlow's Pit

The pit succeeded. Harlow's toy
infected all with doubt. 
Alone, the young macaques despaired
in bins with no way out.

The pit was steel, with sloping walls
some food, a grate, and spout.
No mother's love while growing up
just fear with no way out.

The pit was made to last. For years
the world began to shout,
but Harlow grinned and left them there
in pain with no way out.

The pit was Harlow's own design,
a sadist wit quite stout.
He felt the cancer eat his wife
and love with no way out.

September 1, 2017. (based on accounts of Dr. Harry Harlow's experiment 'put of despair' to inflict despression on infant macaque monkeys by keeping them for years in isolation chambers). Written for Sara Kendrick's contest "Stuck."

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Sara Kendrick September 28, 2017 at 1:36 PM I was delighted to see your work in my winners’ list..I enjoyed reading the work of an outstanding poet..Your participation was much appreciated..Sad that someone would do that to an animal/human..Interesting work..Sara Jack Webster September 28, 2017 at 2:51 PM Thank you, Sara. This kind of animal research, as well as solitary confinement as punishment, is something I oppose. I didn't have a very good personal stuck story, so thought I'd do something slightly political. Looking forward to next contest!

James Inman September 28, 2017 at 7:31 AM Well written Jack. I feel for the pour creatures. Jack Webster September 28, 2017 at 11:30 AM Thank you, James!

Constance La France September 27, 2017 at 5:05 PM Jack, outstanding write, congratulations on your win in the contest ! Jack Webster September 28, 2017 at 11:29 AM Thank you, Broken Wings!