You’re sat on the sofa eating an apple
letting the chimp of you enjoy the afternoon.
Juice is rolling down the sleeves of your
tractor hoody. When the sun shines
through the window gently enough
to show the miniature hairs on your skin,
I understand the urge to remove bugs
from the crown of your head, lift
the thoughts that might stop you climbing
if you’re not careful. But you already know
the word no and wave me out of the way
of Tinky Winky swinging a handbag.

© Carl Burkitt 2022