Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Genetic Captures. Humans have genetically 'captured' the ancient Aurochs, Found in the ancient French and Spanish cave paintings, To develop domestic cattle for meat and milk. The Red Jungle Fowl (with a slight touch of the Gray Jungle Fowl) Was a wild Southeast Asian bird, now the commercial hen. The wild European Honey Bee, now domesticated to a tame productive insect. Domestic swine, so important in many diets, Was genetically 'manipulated' from several wild boar stocks. The magnificent Scottish Clysdale, a warhorse 'stolen' from the English Shire, Both derived from the tiny North American-evolved horse ancestor. So have plants coevolved through selection To become domestic corn, tomatoes, wheat, rice, potatoes, and pot. Even the home, internally and externally, now harbors Domestic plant beauties once again genetically captured: Tulips, roses, daffodils, narcissus, all producing beautiful blooms, To trees for shade as well as bonsai for artistic wonder. The whole human biome is completely surrounded With genetically altered plants and animals for human use and pleasure. Nature has always manipulated life (natural selection), And humans have followed suit (artificial selection). Indeed, what a masterful teacher for humans to attempt to emulate. 9 November 2025 0310 Hours.