catarrhine

- Def: of, like or pertaining to Old World Monkeys

I happened across this word today in a dictionary of obscure terms. I have no idea what it means, but given its Monkey reference I did have to take pause. Not only Monkeys but Old World Monkeys. Is this a reference to monkeys found in Africa vs the "new world" of the Americas - or is it (as I would much prefer to think) a reference to Monkeys that have a proclivity for all things old and historic. I like to envision a monkey in a Sedan Chair, being toted toward the marketplace while smoking a Hookah and sipping Meade. It is just an image to me, in fact a proper image given the proud carriage of even the most simple of simian.

I suppose it is because I can relate, because I am myself somewhat Old-Worldly. It is not that I dislike technology or the comforts that have become almost too available to the average human in recent times, but the lure of the Smoking Jacket beckons - if only I did not have to smoke in it. I do have a red fez on my night-stand; I wear it now and then, but I have to admit it itches a bit, so it is mostly for momentary effect and mostly for Mary's amusement. But it does remind me every morning and every night that I have a great heritage, and that every day needs to be lived as if heading for an exotic marketplace, where any corner can yield something entirely new.