Kissing My Monkey

Stuffed with foam beads, black "fur" and big plastic ears. He wore a yellow t-shirt, red suspenders and sneakers. His mouth partially open, with a beckoning and mischievous grin. One hand poised to suck his thumb and the other holding a partially peeled banana. This stuffed monkey, Mr. Bim, was destined to be my first kiss.

It was difficult, to say the least, to arrange for our big moment. I shared a bedroom with my sister, and she was always in our room - often reading of all things, and definitely never cleaning. I had to strategically arrange time alone for me and Mr. Bim. I waited.

I was patient then.

The evening was perfect. We had watched a terrifying movie, The Fog, I believe. As I went to bed, I stacked all of my other stuffed friends around the edge of my bed (with their backs to me of course), and indicated to my sister that they would protect me from The Fog, that I was certain would roll in during our slumber. It was all a ruse.

I slipped on my nicest flannel night gown for my not-so-chance encounter with Mr. Bim. I snuggled under the protective cover of my bed clothes, surrounded by my other stuffed friends, and wrapped my arms around Mr. Bim. I leaned into him and pressed my lips to his. It was magic!

No, it wasn't. He was cold and seemed disinterested. I didn't care. I tried again. Still Mr. Bim ignored my advances.

I turned my back on Mr. Bim that night and every night after. Sadly, I have kissed mostly reptiles since. Far too many snakes than I care to mention. But still, I have held a fondness for the ape.

I grew up watching The Planet of the Apes and King Kong, and have since watched all of the remakes and sequels. My son also enjoyed these movies and Mighty Joe Young was one of our favorites to watch together. Even now, when scrolling through channels, I linger or stop for an episode or film depicting primates.

I like to think that very first kiss with Mr. Bim and all of the romantic moments I admired between Kong and Faye Wray, were leading me to my very own Mighty Joe.

Mine, like Kong, cares for his human female, protects her, attacks only when provoked and would be perfectly happy to be left alone. Unlike Mr. Bim; however, my Joe kisses me perfectly, and like the original movie King Kong from 1933, our story is not sophisticated at all.

Our story, God willing, will end less tragically and with one last kiss.