Traveling East

There are a few items
buried deep in the sands of June or early July
where the wishes of the heart live as treasures
to be uncovered by the friend of this constant soul.

I am clearing a space on the slate
and have scratched a few clues
on the cluttered walls of the mess of the mind
that will help the skilled seeker
to find shimmering truths about joy
and other watery emotions
that carry us all to the end
of all knowing.

The message is simple:

When I leave for the sea today,
bring only what is needed.

Thick towels, salty almonds,
quiet voices, laughter,
fancy fizzy water,
a low chair and a mat for stretching,
stories about love and losses,
the French press and dark coffee,
lavender shampoo and vanilla lotion,
silence,sea glass,sand dollars,
the journal for poetry,
the books to finally read,
tender glances and gentle hands,
basil, lettuce, and radishes from the garden,
cold white wine and good bread,
slow dancing,
butter for baking,
smooth cotton sheets and a soft pillow,
one rainy day for puzzles and naps,
heated sand,juicy gossip,
unexpected singing,
peaceful afternoon tea,
vivid dreaming,
the moon's embrace,
and something golden
like honey to hope for.

This map, this passage,
will make the way clear
to the delicate edge
of morning after morning
where love lives lightly.