bilingual

we often
think that we only speak
one language.
but you don't have to travel
far
to know that that's not
true.
crossing the bridge
just a few miles away proves
that time
and time again.
at first you think that
our education system has failed us,
but if you listen closely,
read between the lines,
and observe
body language,
you get the gist
of what they're trying to
say.
they do the same, making
gestures like koko
the monkey,
for sleep, thirst and
hunger.