To A Nephew Poem by RIC BASTASA

it is upon my calling that you are here today.
i am very happy.

i am seeing a very tall man now
towering like a tree.

look at this place this island
the flowers no longer bloom
and the trees are shedding off their leaves
the corn seeds that i have sown a month ago
have not grown
and the river on the other side has dried up
the sun scorches this place
and the moon does not like to rest on the hills

let me take you to the window of this house
for you to see the rainbow connecting this island
to another island

this is the bridge between us
and i am giving you the power to cross the sea
of this rift

tonight in this harrowing darkness
we shall cross to the other side and leave this island for good

you shall own the island and sow the corn seeds again
the trees shall bow before you and the flowers shall bloom again
the rivers shall have their water and the hills are ready for the moon

and then i will be gone.