24 December 2008

i, with legs crossed along the daylight, watch
the variegated fists of clouds that gather over
the uncouth features of this, my prone island.

meanwhile the steamers which divide horizons prove
us lost,
found only
in tourist booklets, behind ardent binoculars;
found in the blue reflection of eyes
that have known cities and think us here happy.


excerpt from 'prelude' by derek walcott