Mindful
Are you mindful of the fact that the man there in the turban
Is not a chimpanzee?
I know this because that man is me.
If you close your eyes, you’d never guess my race.
My nails are the color of blood and my nose has been known to run,
But Heaven knows I don’t bite. We came to have fun.
I’m on my best behavior. Don’t you worry.
Please give me a chance. We don’t eat with our hands.
I just dropped in to savor the goods.
Learning how to speak is part of the game, but
Could you please give me your name?
It could be Smith or Smythe. How can one know?
Let me say this: it’s a joy to be laughed at.
My name is not easy, but please do
say it right and without making faces.
We’ll stay out of your way.
I’m not blocking the aisle.
We’ve been standing here for only a while.
Our turbans aren’t glass,
So there’s nothing to break.
But for your sake, we’ll put them away in the car.
So long? Good bye?
No cause to get jumpy. Your voice grows angry.
Okay, all right. We’ll stay no longer.
As you stroll through the park
Why not see our cousins the apes?
Wave so they’ll know we are all friends.
Copyright © David Lohrey | Year Posted 2016
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