journey song #11:
Ehlene
the ocean, again.
the dream-painting, flying
merged with scorpion winged
in beauty, water coloring
with deep blues, weedy greens
flying with scorpion winged
with terror. you said,
'all of these relevations
will be forgotten, but
for now, the goddess knows.'
this great rock on the shore, I am
watching intently. you are
replacing that which has been
ruined by chance: these paintings
glow, salvaged from the sea.
I remember I am a shipwreck, a
dreamer on this sand, rock, wind, sun,
in this moment I am adoring
you as a slim native lad.
You kiss my mouth, giving me
those reconstructed pictures.
Later, a woman accuses me;
it is true, you have marked me,
woven me together, given me
gifts of winged scorpion flights,
altered me indelibly. Others come
but you go before me dancing.
I remember I am a shipwreck,
and this hot noon a mere metaphor
for a winged scorpion, that terror
and that joy.
February 18, 1998