The Pluck

A closed black flower sits primly
   in the depths of the cool jungle.

Prancing through the lush greenery,
   a mischievous monkey stops in wonder.

Faint sound of cicadas whir
   as it carefully puts out a long hairy finger
   and strokes the smooth petals with its fingertips.

Hidden baboons chuckle as the monkey
   peels back one petal like a banana.

Inside, a pale red translucent bulb
   quivers like the needle of a meter,
   a glowing sliver of hot charcoal.

The monkey tentatively reaches out
   to touch the frail pistle.
   When the black arms yawn out widely
   on-looking animals hoot and slap each other on the back,
   as the jungle heats up in a noisy racket.

The monkey gently cups the bulb with both hands
   before plucking it from its mossy bed
   then scampers off with its treasure.

High in the trees, a plumed bird gives out a shrill cry.