Fourth Monkey

Three wise monkeys
contemplate a view
from their warm fireplace perch,

with eyes covered,
ears blocked,
speaking not a word.

Bombs fall in places I will never go to.
People I will never meet are locked up for love.
Help I will never have to ask for is denied to those who need it.

So, I squeeze my eyes shut,
jam my fingers into my ears,
hum loudly with my lips firmly closed,

and try to become wise.

 

May/June 2026

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