Pirate Frank’s ship is a split-in-half tree
refusing to die. One Wellington boot
is a wooden leg designed to dig holes
in the mudbank island next to the river
behind our house. Both of his shoulders
host parrots because he can’t decide
which one he wants it to live on.
Neither hand is a hook because
he doesn’t want to hurt anyone.
His hat has skull with its tongue out
and dog bones. Treasure lies under
the filthy fingernails arranging twigs
into an X marks the spot.

Carl Burkitt 2025