The eternity that
only a child can know,
an interminable drive
through that wild
and stormy night,
on the Desert Road.
.
The window’s whistling –
never quite closed –
incessant whispering
thoughts, bright flashes
in the dark – and rumbles, deep –
disturbing desires to doze.
.
Papatuanuku alive
with laughing love,
telling tales to the little ones,
trying not to notice
in their sleep.
.
Moonlight on the silver sea
closer to Opotiki,
half awake, half asleep,
closer to our beds
.
Pohutukawa
tunnels of love and
welcome silhouettes,
the dancing Waioeka Gorge
sways and pirouettes.
.
The rhythm of a Vauxhall six
growling its way home,
the belonging of our sweet breaths
all contested limbs
together in the back seat,
alone.
.
Being lifted, limp
Protests, grizzles, love
.
And the full moon
on the lamb’s ear,
grey and ghostlike
by the door.
Chris Perley
ah those Vauxhalls… 🙂 beautiful, e hoa, evocative of home and of longing…
Thanks Makere. I knew others would have these memories. Three kids in the back seat, bitching til they sleep, and a baby somewhere. And those bloody noisy little triangular side windows. Just wanting to be home.
That’s very effective Chris. It’s a good poem. Congratulations. We had a 1936 Vauxhall when we were little kids and our Dad took us on long drives from time to time. It brought back memories.
Richard
Richard V. Peach, Ph.D
202 Tudor Avenue
Mayfair 4122
Hastings
New Zealand
646-870-6030
Thanks Richard. When I’m a little less busy, we should catch up again for a coffee.