Weather-beaten decadence, I lie here superhuman:
a mass of cables, tubes and breathing apparatus.

With zeal I feel the end is nigh so blink that final tear.

A lifetime on the river bank, finally I’m here.

Purifying cataracts, tilt to face my beast, the water

whisks my sharpened tongue and dissolves

these cherry cheeks. The wind bellows;

beckoning me further off these foolish, pallid meadows.


The water glistens, cracks and parts revealing

lovers, lost acquaintances, makers,

sisters, friends and brothers.

An arm transcends with open palm

mimicking the water lilies, dancing, bobbing

in the current, glistening with charm.


Inhale, grab and take the dive. The water’s clear,

where air was hollow; The soil hallowed,

not sewn with sin. All that was real is suddenly mist

all that was dear is but borrowed. My frightful gown

floats upstream, my hair sways like pond ****
and wrinkles relax, all is refreshed.


Peer upward to see that wilting flowers

do not dream of seeds.Plunge ever deeper,

do not glance back on salty cheeks, or past misdeeds.

Planet earth I have to leave you be

but I know you’ll write and one day

you may even catch up with me.

The sun cracks the sky where the albatross
flies; the clockwork waves splash
Lunacy, the morning haze disbands.

Your patchwork raft, the labour, the scars;
The salt and the spray assault
the ballet: the majestic way you stand.

Your teeming suitcase, a thousand journals,
Their iridescence forms a compass
gleaming north to your merits.

Mountains ahead are distant, hills behind are old
Marvel in awe, gasp as your youth
floats passed, whipping up paths of sand.

Grow and glow, perspire and expand,
shadows are cast for eyes to follow
a menorah of promised plans.

Sand turns to brickwork, pebbles to mortar
squint across the water and scuff a hoof
lunge and press digits on freshly laid girders.

Pull back the bow and aim, no doubt
In grey-matter but a quiver
full of knowledge, a diver in a mirage
A bridge to greener land.