7 December 2006

"One Line for Two Aunts"

The green curve of the olive leaf
endures beyond pessimism. A thousand years,
dark-voiced Josephine speaks from the sea:
the warmth is lovely, a repast is near.

A thousand years, aristocratic Julia
laments her wisdom: weary sailors,
why not walk along my shore?

The generations cultivate their seed:
I speak of love.
Up from calcareous soil,
after a millenium they stand,
branches in flower.

A millenium,
the bones of the olive tree bear.

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