The sun set red.

A long dusk and we are lost

on winding streets

with hours of light yet this far north.

 

We arrived at this moment one day at a time,

step by step on paths we made—

sunrises, sunsets, darkness, heartache,

and kept moving.

 

Though not always in the same directions.

Gathering nourishment for love and strength—

a dream or two along the way.

There was never enough time to give up.

 

Starting out we were green with love,

thoughts of many colors,

our words promised a world

not made of Puritan dreams.

 

Here a little crowd among lost streets,

we are tired and hungry and wander in.

 

Tables in close quarters,

locals guide us to perfect choices

on a verbal menu

in a language we don’t understand.

Staying all night, we know love.

 

 

Stephen Cipot