It’s almost always possible to pick the person in charge, even when
looking incongruous,
out of place
and bedecked with soft toys.
Woodsman forearms
solid and
tattooed
shoulders and chest of a professional footballer
voice deep, and pack a day –
this man works for a living.
He looked fancy dressed, bedecked with soft toys.
“There ya go mate, for ya wee girl.”
My brother never did diplomacy
and this was no different
but he didn’t mean offence either
and none was taken
his cheerful gruffness, endearing and aside pushing,
neutrality the result, always.
“ It’s okay pal, she’s got plenty of toys –
give it to someone who needs it.”
The big guy said,
“ mate I’d really appreciate it if you’d take it,
that way all the kids get one, and nobody feels poor.”
Orphaned Islands (Un)poetry 