Observers. witnesses

on a sunny day,
a boy and a girl
eleven and thirteen
in police uniforms
were negotiating.
I stood across
within ears’ reach.
a man inside
offered to pay
the driver replied
“they’re young but
behave like their
parents, the police.”
I choked on my corn.
the man smiled
but didn’t utter a word.
he paid for two.
the boy bowed.
the girl knelt.
the man fell a tear.

Tomide Abdul