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Content [line]<br/> <br/> <img width="101" height="160" border="2" align="left" src="/EPS/pictures/Image/Print 1-12/iss5pg20.jpg" alt=""/>In the November <strong>Ecphorizer</strong> we asked for a "short story or vignette" inspired by our cover, a study of a macaque contemplating a human jaw bone. FIRST PRIZE goes to CARL C. PARTLOW for the following bit of archaeological whimsey. Carl is a law student and bridge aficionado, who has published numerous stories and poems elsewhere. He wins Joe Newby's original cover drawing; plus, if the opportunity arises, we will include his entry in a time capsule for the edification of future scholars, be they human or simian.<br/> <br/> <p class="style14" style="text-align: center;"><strong>A WORK OF ART</strong></p> <p class="style14">As archaeologist for the anthropoidian era of Earth, I delight in finding relics of the humanoid era. Every glimpse into the life of man fills me with awe. In truth, I believe man as far more capable than we Apes. Yet, we are learning, slowly filling the gaps in our knowledge. Take, for instance, this work of art. It resembles any of a multitude of human jaw bones scattered throughout Earth during man's final war. My practiced eye, however, sees more.</p> <p class="style14">Note the holes in each tooth-like protrusion. Though they resemble cavities such as you might see in our children's teeth; they are, in fact, carefully patterned. Listen, now, as I blow into each hole.</p> <p class="style14">Beautiful, isn't it? Soft, whistling music.</p> <p class="style14">Note, also, its shape. JawlIke, yes. But larger than any jaw can possibly be. Why? So as to fit around the mouth, not in it.</p> <p class="style76">Gentleapes, we have before us a treasured find. This musical instrument is designed for ease in blowing, carved to fit the mouth. It creates a soft, whistling melody. Can it be other than that fabled treasure so often referenced in man's many writings? Can it be other than "Whistlers Mouther"? </p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">[line width="80%"]<br/> </span><span class="style182"><strong>HONORABLE</strong></span> <strong>Mention</strong> goes to <span class="style182"><strong>DONNA May Harkness</strong></span> of Oakland for the following poem. When not lambasting the human race, Donna is a public health nurse with interests in art and music. <p class="style183" style="margin-left: 80px;">He contemplates the human mandible<br/> Left in its silent form, token of<br/> A rare creature, barely understandable <br/> Once co-inhabitor, now unspoken of.</p> <p class="style183" style="margin-left: 80px;">He thoughtfully strokes his furry chin,<br/> "Can you imagine, we once were kin?<br/> This bloody fool thought he ruled the earth<br/> He ravaged it, poisoned it, for what it's worth."</p> <p class="style183" style="margin-left: 80px;">"He drained it, then saturated it with<br/> His fellows' blood, babies' bones were<br/> Advertised in seasons of famine <br/> But no copywriter found the answer."</p> <p class="style183" style="margin-left: 80px;">"As large puffy mushrooms grew in <br/> Scientists' heads, and the schoolboys <br/> Chanted, 'one for you and one for me' <br/> Or variations on the theme, 'Yours is <br/> Bigger than mine, but mine is faster <br/> And more deadly.' His dentation <br/> Outlasts his glowing feverish eyes <br/> That read computers, papers, and the <br/> Latest market. Look at our flat head, <br/> Brother macaque. Yet with that huge <br/> Brain of his, he failed to grasp <br/> A very simple truth. That's why I hold here --</p> <div style="margin-left: 80px;">The jawbone of an ass"  <img width="20" height="13" alt="" src="/EPS/pictures/Image/EckE.gif"/><br/> </div>

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Content <img width="101" height="160" align="left" src="/EPS/pictures/Image/Print 1-12/iss5pg20.jpg" alt=""/> <div style="margin-left: 80px;">   <img width="20" height="13" alt="" src="/EPS/pictures/Image/EckE.gif"/><br/> </div>

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