It was a normal day within all the CSNW Chimp House,
The chimps were grooming, while caregivers tidied the house.
But there was one person who just couldn’t sit still.
He wanted to play and laugh until his heart was filled.
The sounds of kicks and Bronx cheers grew ever so loud,
Should I abandon my duties? Is this even allowed?
I looked to my staff with a quizzical stare,
“I must keep cleaning, but he does not care!”
“Go! He is requesting you! But be sure you stretch!
For he will run you tired, and an ambulance we might fetch!
He deserves everything his heart would ever desire,
But be cautious, or he will make your body retire!”
And within a flash we were off to the races,
With giggles and laughter, even play faces.
Out the gate and through the snow,
I trudged my way up my steep uphill foe.
I gathered my breath and prepared to run,
While his face seemed to scream, “This will be so much fun!”
My muscles were burning and as I was gasping,
I thought about lying down and just collapsing.
After not once, twice, but thrice around the snowy hill,
We returned to the Greenhouse to continue to play still.
I wished for a break in such long play session,
But none was granted by his absolute obsession.
“Buddy, let’s take it easy today, for there is much more in store,
Tomorrow is your big day, and we will play even more.
There will be treats and snow for the whole fam,
Why, I even heard there may even be a Pasta Cam.
“2020 was just a doozy of a year,
You survived a fight, procedures, and even a rattlesnake scare.
You pulled through, and inspired us all.
Staff, volunteers, interns, and donors big and small.
“It was you who got us all through this pandemic,
Your joyous laughter, and foot stomps that were seismic.
We hope you have the best of days tomorrow,
Because it was you who helped us through the pandemic sorrow.”
“Happy Birthday, Burrito!” The world will all scream.
You are one of the chimpanzees of our dreams.
So have a good night, and sleep real tight,
Because tomorrow, we will celebrate you with no end in sight.
Bravo, Chad! You beautifully conveyed fun and love and personality, as experienced by both of you, and shared with and by us.
Straight to my heart. Tears as I read, he gave us all a scare. I think he knows it too and swore to live each day to the fullest and so he does. Burrito, your the man;) Goodnight all.
Chad,
You are quite the poet – that’s one to publish in the Chimp book (to be written someday…). So true how my chimp pal is a real inspiration to us all. When things get tough I always think WWBD ( what would Burrito do?) and feel I can conquer it when I think of all he has gone through in just one year. May we all have his joy.
A happy birthday to our boy Burrito! Looking forward to the party.
This Burrito post is amazing
and Chad you’re a poet
Looking forward to tomorrow –
It’ll be great I just know it!
Thank you all. Hugs
Love this post. It’s like Burrito knows tomorrow is a big day in his honor and he can feel the excitement building! Have a great night. Thank you.
I wasn’t for sure who wrote this very beautiful story or poem but Chad thank you so much for for ending the day with something so bright and beautiful and may burrito have sweet dreams tonight and much fun tomorrow for his birthday.
God bless – thank you!
That made me so happy! Thank you
Brilliant…Just BRILLIANT, Chad…I thoroughly enjoyed every line & every photo…Even letting my imagination run far away…Picturing you red faced, chapped & sore, & huffing & puffing while Bubba, the sweet, playful, rascal he is, egged you on…HaHa…I’m sure looking forward to tomorrow’s festivities & seeing all the excitement…I’m thinking about making spaghetti for dinner tomorrow night…grins
Seriously, I can’t begin to imagine just how thrilling & privileged it must feel for you dear folks to have any of these precious chimps seek you out personally for fun & special attention… What a heartwarming experience it must be…
TERRIFIC…!!!!!!!!!!
Bravo! That is a heartfelt bit of poetry. Can’t wait to watch him enjoy his day tomorrow!
Oh Burrito, now I see it crystal clear. You are so joy-full because you have a very dear friend named Chad. You lucky boy. It was both of YOU, together, who helped to get me through this pandemic. Watching your friendship, shared laughter, chase and tugs games, and runs about Young’s Hill all inspired me to keep the faith this past year. I love you Mr. B. Don’t ever change — well, unless it’s to be even sillier and more adorable.
Chad, this poem is a keeper. Talk about favorite caregiver posts, this is #1! Can’t wait for the big birthday party tomorrow. A pasta cam?! Really!? Nothing is too good for Burrito.
HA! HA! HA! This verse is both amusing and poignant. I am grateful for the life and spirit of the irrepressible Burrito Chimpanzee. As I struggle through the peril of this health crisis (and attempt to see an end to the reign of this republic’s dictator), seeing Burrito play and laugh provides me with nourishment to my mind and soul. What a privilege and thrill it must be to have Burrito seek you out for a playdate. He must really like you.
I just love this fabulous boy so much. Can’t wait for his birthday video. Happy Birthday to the handsomest, most special boy in the whole world.
Beautiful!
Squeee! Pasta cam! I can’t wait!
Chad, if you ever get too tired, there’s no end of people willing to take your place!
Happy birthday, Burrito!
Chad, you’re a poet, and you know it!
That was great, sort of Seuss like.
Happy Birthday Burrito 🙂
Brilliant, Chad. Thank you
Today’s Burrito’s birthday
With fun and treats in store
The food will be delightful
And he will ask for more.
Our brave man’s kept us going
With laughter and some tears
He’s brave and always playing
And today he’s 38 years.
Caregivers are kept breathless
His friends just love his games
They’ll all give birthday tickles
Yes even tough boss, James!
So enjoy your day Burrito,
And all around the world
We’re cheering that you give us joy
And give Chad a few more whirls!
Inspired by Chad
Apologies to William Shakespeare!
Whoa! Carol, your poem response to Chad’s is just delightful! Thank you for taking the time and for your creativity. Rereading Chad’s post from last night and now your poem response has started my day with delight!
Love, love, love all around!!!!
Chad, I’m gobsmacked by your wonderful poem. It’s so heartfelt, so charming and so full of delightful images that I’ve read it 3 times and see something new each time. What a breathless companion you are, and he knows he can trust you to be present with him. What a display of friendship between you! Thank you!
Poetry in Motion! thank you so much for this, Chad. The words make us smile,
(we know they are true) and the photos (as always) are wonderful!
It is so easy to love each and everyone of these magnificent chimps, but there is only one Burrito????!
It is so easy to love each and everyone of these magnificent chimps, but there is only one Burrito????!
It is so easy to love each and everyone of these magnificent chimps, but there is only one Burrito????!
What a beautiful poem!!! So creative! Burrito is such a wonderful, magical being! He does have such an infectious smile! He is so so so loved by so many! I can’t wait to watch the pasta cam!