Standing on the promenade
on the last night at sea
I can see the signal fires
along the coast of Morocco
a welcoming committee
of flickering electric lights
strung from Essaouira to Agadir

Down in the lowest deck
the Yugoslavian crew
is throwing a party for everyone
with plenty of vodka
Polish beer
and rock nroll

My soul
adoring the sea
would like to plunge
into its sadness

So immense
and inconsolable
by the phosphorescence
glowing in the wake of the ship

Tomorrow in Casablanca
Ill set my feet down
on a brand new continent of shop windows
filled with silver jewelry
shining like fresh minted currency

But tonight
holding a shell to my ear
I hear your irrepressible voice
calling from across the Atlantic

Dont forget me.
Please dont forget me.

Im posting these words
with a white pigeon
hoping hell navigate the solitude
that lies between us
by the stars
 

©1992, from NOSTALGIA OF THE INFINITE (Ocean View Books)