SINGERIE

Feb 8, 20162 min read

i've grown up with a soft spot for monkeys and their devious ways as they lived amongst us in barbados, tormenting the dogs by throwing their finished mango seeds at them from the safety of the trees. appropriately 'singerie' meaning 'monkey trick' in french and is also a decorative art attributed to the 18th century decorator and designer Jean Berain who animated his wall decorations with dressed figures of monkeys aping human behavior of a cheeky nature. during the chinoiserie period minkeys were also often depicted in mandarin dress and imitating chinese manners. an apt subject to highlight today as we enter into the chinese new year of the monkey. to accompany some pix of decorative monkey behaviour is a poem which tickles with wit! Happy Chinese New Year all you cheeky monkeys!

FIRE MONKEY

by david j lindsay

Cunningly swinging On the trees of life Playing his pranks Winding up the wife Enjoying every challenge Using his brain Owning it. Bossing it Playing the game He's a Chinese Monkey - a little bit spunky A little bit of attitude A little bit of grit Dashing, darting With daring and drive Top of the tree And feeling alive

Dancing with spirit Fire and wit Not at all annoying - well, maybe just a bit(!) He's a Chinese Monkey - can get a bit funky A little bit of attitude A little bit of grit Friendly when he wants to be He'll pat you on the back Can get a bit competitive Never one to slack Ants in his pants Fire in his belly Gregarious. Free. Can give it some welly

He's a Chinese Monkey - Full-speed junkie A little bit of attitude A little bit of grit

Nimble on his feet Able with his hands Confident and up-beat Always with a plan Charming little fella Curious too Has the metal and the dignity To get himself through He's a Chinese Monkey - can get a bit funky A little bit of attitude A little bit of grit