SONG

Leo Cruz makes the most beautiful white bowls;

I think I must get some to you

but how is the question

in these times

He is teaching me

the names of the desert grasses;

I have a book

since to see the grasses is impossible

Leo thinks the things man makes

are more beautiful

than what exists in nature

and I say no.

And Leo says

wait and see.

We make plans

to walk the trails together.

When, I ask him,

when? Never again:

that is what we do not say.

He is teaching me

to live in imagination:

a cold wind

blows as I cross the desert;

I can see his house in the distance;

smoke is coming from the chimney

That is the kiln, I think;

only Leo makes porcelain in the desert

Ah, he says, you are dreaming again

And I say then I’m glad I dream

the fire is still alive