Sojourn (Poetry)

Islanded by the years
that place is safe from change
cut off by time's long flood
and kept unreachable
as focus softens — yearns
and fading skies retreat
lose their definition
they are more truthful still
than Kodacolor snaps
that yellow in a box.

The camera failed to take
sea breezes loaded light
with sweetness filling all
the spaces in my heart
I hoarded scents and taste
each hollow to its brim
some spilling as I'm moved
by love remembering.

Attuned to one far place —
a sojourn spent in youth —
when leaving left an ache
a vacancy I hoped
the spirit of that land
would linger and take root
to lend itself on days
when Winter grips too tight
and frosts the homely cage
where since I find myself.

Through reverie's grey bars
I glimpse from time to time
horizons love has mapped
nostalgia's perfect view
dismissing miles between
so I can see again
the dawn light on the rocks
the sand streaked silver-blue
the shadows black and warm
retreating as the sun
grows stronger and breaks through
dissolving pastel clouds.

I stand upon the cliff
one moment caught and saved
from millions that are lost
forgotten — never claimed
the postcard-sending mind
the sun a sealing kiss
that melts behind my eyes
with promise — leaving mist
afloat on time and tide
the fantasy untouched
and paradise a dream
I wandered into once.