Memories of a Journey

The twisted hog’s face of the rude old border guard
who looked through the bags in your car.

Driving through the night in the fog and the rain
while the others slept until someone woke and relieved you.

Arriving at the sea at sunset in a town of smiling strangers
who seemed to want nothing from you.

Sleeping like a baby—with hectic intricate world-worried dreams.

The BRAAWK! (ringing long pause) BRAAWK! of the birds
sailing over the roof when you woke.

The churn of the ferryboat through sun sea air
and islands like moon pyramids.

Swimming in a cool salt lake with big-eyed donkeys on the shore
beneath bleached stone hills full of olive trees.

Heavy dark home-made red wine strong as brandy at dusk.



.