They put their coffees down
and stand by the canal
watching monkeys navigating boats.
They watch the antics on the water
and offer advice like neatly peeled bananas.
It’s been a lifetime since they didn’t know
what they were doing. Their skin is
stone holding in a river of freedom.
Later they will tell their friends
about the animals that came to visit
and compliment the way they turned
in such a tight space.

© Carl Burkitt 2022