Homecoming

As islands shining in the gulf can seem
Enveloped by the ocean's paper weight
Which presses coral glue on seams
That join vast seas to emirates,

So lips' small letter with the blood is sealed
By rivers wrapped up brilliantly in light,
Suspended on the Persian teal
Of airplane lines above the white

Of overlapping surf where
Views are canceled by the eye
When the flying world pares
Down a distant surge of sky:

An island and its oceans merge
When posted letters turn to words.

Kailua
July 24th, 1997
Redone April 28th, 2016