Green Arses Out

That your kid? asks Veronica.

Our statue, says Arthur.

A mobile statue? says Veronica.

Yes, says Arthur. This one's different. Most statues move imperceptibly.

Like koalas, says Veronica. They sleep almost all day. How's the poem going?

I'm working on it, says Arthur. It starts like this: Disinfectant reminds us of leaves.

Hey, that's good, says Veronica. It does smell of eucalyptus, come to think if it.

Our eyes roll back inside our heads with the fumes/ Our green arses...

Not allowed says Veronica. 

My poem, says Arthur. Their green arses.

This isn't working, says Veronica. No arses. Try describing their dear little faces.

Our spoon shaped noses swoon in the blue delirium, says Arthur.

They're not dolphins, says Veronica. That's it. You're not going to adopt one.

Okay, says Arthur. Suit yourself. But feel free to use spoon-shaped.

Veronica nods curtly. 

He joins Sweezus and Terence outside the koala breeding centre.

What happened? asks Sweezus.

I blew it, says Arthur. Looks like I don't get to adopt one.

I want to adopt one, says Terence. What's adopt?

Be like a parent, says Sweezus. Pay for its stuff.

I don't want to, says Terence. When are we going?

Now, says Sweezus. Come on. Where's Roo-kai?

Roo-kai comes out of the breeding centre. 

Good news, says Roo-kai. Arthur's adopting a baby koala called Ninja.

How'd that happen? asks Sweezus.

I told Veronica he was Arthur Rimbaud, says Roo-kai. It made all the difference.

The poem wasn't finished, says Arthur.

She doesn't want you to finish it, and she said she'll keep the green arses, says Roo-kai.

Ha ha, laughs Terence. 

You'll get a photo and bio, a certificate of adoption, a paw print and a quarterly news letter, says Roo-kai. 

When? asks Arthur.

Now, says Roo-kai. Go back in and meet Ninja.

This is embarrassing. Arthur goes back inside