It's a beautiful day

In another example of my creeping infantilism (I'm an emotional 8-year-old these days, but my goal is 3), I have begun TiVoing episodes of "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood." This is partly because of the great music, but mostly because Mr. Rogers is such a reassuring presence. He gazes steadily into the camera and encourages his young viewers, even flatters them, but never condescends.

Recently I witnessed one of the most moving sights ever to appear on my television, when Mr. Rogers visited Koko. That's the famous 300-pound gorilla who either does or does not communicate with American Sign Language, depending on who you ask. Whatever is going on in Koko's head, she certainly can do elaborate things with her beautiful hands. But her communication, such as it was, looked random and impulsive. Although some of her logical inferences were remarkable, even uncanny, I don't think it would be much fun to discuss Descartes with her.

She is mesmerizing, though. I got goosebumps at one point as she very delicately untied Mr. Rogers' shoes, then removed them. This was so striking, I think, because Mr. Rogers' shoes are an important part of his shtick: He unties and removes them at the beginning of every episode, then dons a pair of sneakers. There presumably is a bit of child psychology in that ritual (little children like routines, as do most of us), and it was weirdly exhilirating to watch Koko reprise it.

The most moving parts were when Koko held Mr. Rogers in steadfast embrace and stared at him with what looked for all the world like fondness. Mr. Rogers appeared uncomfortable wrapped in Koko's arms -- you would be, too -- but there came a moment near the end of the visit when, as she held him, he silently studied her face and then said to her, "There are so many things to think about, aren't there?"

She indeed looked thoughtful, and I marveled at Mr. Rogers' gift for quiet empathy. Kids love him because he looks right at their faces and tells them: You are human, and everything is okay.

I never knew this also worked on gorillas.