Malta

I've seen you
only in sepia tones
on a cardboard postcard

you're a little turquoise bay
rimmed with toy houses
and piers with matchstick boats

that dangle on strings
as they rise and fall
with the tide

Malta
we've never met

but I feel
we're kissing cousins
and like Saucelito

I'll dig you

and I'll envelope myself
in your streets your cafes
your denizens

and though I may
never know you
I feel I finally understand
what true love is

as I continue to mold you
like you are rich
river bottom clay

  Whit Howland © 2017