Sorry to dive in but I've read and enjoyed that book. It's great to see the
crossing of disciplines, ideas about evolution  from zoology crossing into
psychology and then to literature, in this case the novel. I liked the way
the same rivalries were played out in the chimpanzee group and both the
human groups (African and European.) Rival groups competing for status. You
can use that model over and over again when accounting for conflict.

Colin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Horwood" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 10:03 AM
Subject: Re: Survivor: Comanche - Arthur


Arthur wrote,

Just as a minor point though, don't you think
we can learn from animals and their behaviour?? Regards Arthur.


Hi Arthur,
          Hmm, an intersting question. My first reaction was to say, yes, of
course. But then I stopped to think and I have to say that it really depends
on what kind of learning and in what situation. I don´t think I believe that
people would `learn´ to be loyal or brave in the sense that those words
might be applied to Comanche from the horse itself. I can´t really believe
in a person observing the horse´s behaviour and thinking, yes, I want to be
like that horse. On the other hand, there do seem to be quite remarkable
similarities between human and animal behaviour, that zoologists can study
and publicise, and this might well give us insight into our own behaviour.
On this subject, do you know the novel by William Boyd called Brazzaville
Beach? It concerns (amongst other things) a group of researchers
investigating ape behaviour and suggests some things we might `learn´ from
that. If you haven´t read it, I can recommend it highly. Since one of the
characters is a mathematician, you might find additional interest and food
for thought.
I´ve just realised that this should really go b/c but I´ve already removed
your personal email address and if I click on `back´ I´ll lose all this so
I´ll send it via The-Works with apologies to everyone else.


Best wishes,   Mike






----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Horwood" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 6:50 AM
Subject: Re: Survivor: Comanche


Hello Arthur,
             This one is not for me. There´s nothing wrong with the
language, but the subject doesn´t appeal, which of course is a purely
personal thing. Animal poems as such are not my favourites and I find the
angle here a bit too sentimental. Others may well feel differently.


Best wishes,   Mike




--- Alkuperäinen viesti ---

  Survivor: Comanche



The battle sounds had ceased

the victorious ululations faded

the gelding Comanche

waited patiently obedient

beside the still body of his master

the bullet and arrow wounds upon his flanks

crusted with flies

twitch of withers

the hoof drawn across the ground

the loving snicker

urged no response.



Two days later

they came and found Comanche

saddle swung under his belly

still as a statue

carved from anthracite

dead Keogh beside him.



Sole survivor of Little Big Horn

who knew all

but could tell nothing.



Pied with scars

that bought

free pastures now

and free to go where he might

unsaddled and beloved

a bucket of beer on payday

or unbidden

as Lily Bolero rang

quietly emerging

from the shadows of the fort

to take his place

on every big parade

and lead them all

with rolling eye and arching neck

and soft full flow of mane.