I wanted to be a gibbon not a monkey

In junior high I was on our schools gymnastic team. I was already heading to six feet, no height for a gymnast, but I loved to spin and tumble.

The Parade magazine of that era had a “personality test” which consisted of about 25 pictures of animals a participant could choose from to explain what kind of personality you had. I chose a gibbon because of its graceful acrobatics. Damned test results said I wanted to be a “monkey” meaning a cut-up and be a joker. Dimwits didn’t know the difference between the primates. I would not have chosen to be a monkey.

About the author

Harry is a ferociously good natured eccentric in Duluth Minnesota who detests traitors dressed up as Uncle Sam. You can find somewhat better edited writings of his at the Duluth Reader "contributors." page. The URL is:

https://duluthreader.com/contributors/h/84/284-harry-welty