They stopped next to the bridge
for a drink.
They were slumming
taking a glance
at how the other ninety eight
point nine five
lived.
It wouldn’t take long.

They ordered soft drinks
for they were unsure if “soda”
was the proper parlance
or “cola”
or “coke” or “pop.”
They had not done proper research
on the new land they were discovering
and had no interest
in alienating the natives.

They found the architecture quaint
and appreciated the aboriginal dressings on the walls.
It was all so cute
so very authentic
and they were careful not to despoil the land
by overtipping on the drinks.

They took pictures.
They offered compliments.
They laughed and they danced
and they enjoyed themselves immensity
by the bridge
before they paid
thanked the locals
got back into their chariot
and crossed the expanse,
back to real life.