Bill Looked In The Fruit Dish

Bill looked in the fruit dish
And what did he see
Not even one banana
It was completely empty

What will the children say
When they see there is no more
So he drove his motor scooter
To the ‘corner store’

The shop keeper lady
Looked at this 86 yr old with concern
The bananas are ‘All Sold Out’
He was very soon to learn

Where can I get some?
Then this great idea
Popped into his head
So he steered his three wheeler there

Above the HUGE GATE
Was a sign saying ‘THE ZOO’
The Zoo keeper appeared
‘Sir’, for you what can I do?

I would like to interview
The chief monkey, Bill said
He looked at him quizzically
Then to a large cage was led

Fences are not to be climbed
The notice did state
And of course for protection
There was a large padlock on the gate

All of a sudden
The chief monkey was there
Eating a rather large banana
Totally unaware
That Bill's fruit bowl was empty
And all the bananas had been sold
‘I don’t care what others think
I’ll talk to him and be bold’

He looked at Bill's funny scooter
His long legs and grey hair
Of his concern for him
He was very aware

“Hi Monk", he said
How are you today?
He greeted him graciously
Acting like ‘THE CHIEF’ in every way

He knew how to communicate
But only on his terms
They observed each other
There was much to learn

What is your main job?
Bill ventured to ask
“To keep the young monks in order
They work then in the sun they bask”

“When humans are in trouble
I speak to them sometimes
Often in clouded language
Even in allegories or rhymes”

‘O please, Bill said
Can you help me?
I need some bananas
As the ‘meals on wheels bought for my tea
Do not provide
Fresh tree ripened fruit
And so that I can remain healthy
This lack in my diet doesn’t suit’

“I am so sorry”
Said the chief monkey
At this time of the year
The young monks are very hungry
But I can give you THREE
One for each child
As he handed these to him
He lovingly smiled

O how I thanked him
Then told him our professors say
We humans are descended from you
Way back in the olden days

Rubbish, Monk said
With a big broad smile
We do not treat our babies
Like you’ve done for a long while

From that warm cosy place
Some make them come out
Before they are ready
That’s not what we are about

We don’t kill our babies
We love them so much
And we don’t send our sons to war
We are a law abiding bunch


What humans often do
We know is so wrong
Did they descend from us?
Your learned men tell tales that are wrong and long”

…The wise old monkey
Bid him farewell
The bananas are in his fruit bowl
Then Elizabeth this he did tell

The look on her face
Told him she did not believe
Then she saw the bananas
That the children were to receive

…Whether it is true
Or whether it’s a tale
It is clear to her Humans LEARN
When they confess how often they fail.

17.6.2004
Mr Noble – Rhyme Elizabeth