the phalanx bones are named
based on the distance to the heart
proximal intermediate distal
side by side row by row
as it happens in primates
the thumb with only two phalanges
are just tilted enough to allow
prehensity
the ancient greek army arranged
their hoplites in tight formation
shoulder to shoulder
armed with eight foot pikes
like a rogue porcupine
perhaps the innermost column
was slightly angled to allow
pincer attacks