Near the shore
a jungle rises
from round, full, khaki earth
bordered by palm trees
and netting
The natives fling themselves
with abandon
into walls
and massive pillbugs
They leap to touch
a basketball hoop
They slide
one into another
in a tangled mass
of limbs and laughter
and, shrieking, run
across the blue expanse
to play in the nearby waves
(there’s another slide there, too)
The elders
sit, stand, lean
gathered in a constellation
of polite conversation
and smartphone screens
A hue!
A cry!
Chins up
Eyes scan
the peaceable kingdom
for the agent of dissent
A momentary pause
An admonition:
Upon the slide’s apex
hold fast
Until the path below is clear
The message thus conveyed
the natives return to their play
Likewise, do the elders
until the mandate comes
Time to move to the next room
where it’s said
there will be cake
