One friend is enough.
The captain smiles,
wordlessly inviting me
to play dominoes.
We eat in his cabin.
I learn a few words of German.
When we stop at ports, I see how little is needed
to make poor people happy.
In forests, there are clearings where children play.
In stark deserts, the only trees and flowers
are painted on walls, lush green murals
that create a satisfying illusion
of abundance.