Poem by Arthur Guiterman

Pithecanthropus Erectus

The primitive Pithecanthropus erectus,
With whom the ethnologists rightly connect us,
    Defended his own
    By cudgel and stone.
Why isn’t our ancestor here to protect us?

The arrogant Pithecanthropus erectus,
Whose traits, through inheritance, deeply affect us,
    Was sure it was good
    To grab all he could,
Like some of his offspring whose morals deject us.

The ape-man Pithecanthropus erectus
Has many descendants prepared to dissect us.
    With them, might is right,
    And if we can’t fight,
There’s nothing at all will make them respect us.

1. Habits of the Hippopotamus
2. The Traveler
3. Strictly Germ-proof
4. The Legend of the First Cam-u-el
5. Sea Sickness

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