We’re coming to consensus,
Neanderthaliensis
Is ninety nine point five percent the same
As modern Homo species,
If you accept the theses
Of scientists whose data drive this claim.

We share genes with chimpanzees,
Share genes with plants like pansies,
Bananas, yeast, E. coli genomes, too.
And now we’ve been connected
With cavemen, unexpected,
Like Fred and Barney, “Yabba, dabba, doo.

”The course of evolution is an ever branching tree,
Some branches, highly fruitful, some branches cease to be.
And on a tiny branch, an even smaller branch are we.
And, on one twig, two little buds this season: you and me.

Gorillas flinging feces
At cousins of their species
In zoos, by now, are most familiar scenes.
In Congress, we get speeches
Whose strong aroma teaches
That apes and Congressmen share common genes.

So, on down through the ages,
As Nature turns time’s pages,
Mutations that occurred without a plan,
Made what were one-celled creatures
Accumulate the features
Of brand new species, all the way to Man.

The course of evolution made Neanderthal and thee.
Gene sequences are close enough to interbreed; whoopee!
But not much of their genotype came down in you and me,
Except some commentators who hold forth on Fox TV.