The Parable of Two Monkeys

a verse response to David S.’s prompt

photo credit: Nicholas Deloitte

by Joe Váradi

In the jungle deep and shaded,
two monkeys they congregated.

One was known as old and wise,
with an ego twice his size,

while the other’s reputation —
mediocre, in relation.

All the monkeys in his troop
called him simply: nincompoop.

These two, in the mood for lunch
hit upon a ripened bunch

of bananas — golden, fleshy
and as the two friends got ready

to enjoy the tasty treat,
the dimwit had the wise one beat,

reached and plucked the finest fruit,
proceeded to peel his loot,

casually tossed the peel,
sat back and devoured his meal.

It is now the smart one’s turn,
eyes his partner, looking stern,

shoulders his way to the tree,
snaps a plump banana free.

With a smug look — Listen, son,
watch and learn how this is done …