Alva Review-Courier -

“Everybody needs somebody to lean on.” – Traveling Wilburys (Roy Orbison/Tom Petty) 1988.

Lean has multiple meanings from meat with little fat to efficient with little waste, but the Wilburys were talking about a verb, not an adjective. Their lyrics are a universal truth, a reminder of the beauty of inherent human connection.

“Lean on me when you’re not strong. I’ll be your friend and help you carry on.” – Bill Withers, 1972.

This sentiment includes animals, who, though untamed, exhibit emotions and whose very existence sometimes depends on cooperation.

In humans, it means more than just “I’ve...