I.
Wave after wave
the island grows
White light at the port becomes men
A retinue awaits
II.
Inside a palace of marble and wood
deep shadows pool
A cool breeze from the sea
The playing of fountains
III.
The Sultan smells of roses
sits and does not speak
He is here and somewhere else
Others negotiate
IV.
Terms are struck
There are photographs
Afterwards there is tea
strange and green and sweet
V.
Re-crossing the Strait
he calculates percentages
Neither too little
nor too much
Always room for doubt
VI.
He dreams by Tilly light
Whisky and soda
Cedar and camphor
The ceiling fan
redistributes hot air
Published by colinhopkirk
Poet, writer, artist. Writing and performing in England, publishing anywhere. Member of Hexameter performing poets. Workshops, projects, cross-arts collaborations.
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Colin Hopkirk Poetry 