Chimpanzee

The chimpanzee was quite a sight, When I first saw him there, You see, he looked quite young despite The wrinkles everywhere... His bright eyes shone so full of life, Beneath a frown or two, Though this day showed no pain or strife, No cause for feeling blue... He held a twig, poked it around, Then tossed it at his friend, It bounced off him and hit the ground Before he could defend... He picked it up and tossed it back And so their game went on, Then suddenly, they both lost track, The novelty had gone... If only Man could follow suit And walk away from war And not let battles still pollute This world from shore-to-shore... If chimpanzees can call a truce, Can nations, yes or no? With each new war, each side must lose, Till nations make wars GO! Denis Martindale, copyright June 2016. A poem based on a magnificent wildlife painting by Stephen Gayford. Google search phrases gayford prints and 'Stephen Gayford poetry'.