TO SWALLOW

The ocean is swallowed 

by 

the 

island.

Its vastness becomes narrow in the 

mouth of trees

quenched by 

muddy, salty, shallowness.

No village in sight — If you don’t 

Know 

where to look.

Hidden in plain view 

many
eyes 

see you 

coming.

There is no warning for being 

watched.

Only heartbeats and heavy breaths

drifting into the unknown —

Too, swallowed by the island.

No choice but to keep trudging 

forward.

The only way out is backward.

— even if.

It all looks the same ; every direction:

Canopies drape hollowed trunks

Blue birds nestle on branches

Water snakes hide on shores

trying to digest dinner.

The way the bamboo 

cuts 

the water

directing the bangka boat to land is an art.

Survival is the only option.

Here.

You learn or you die.

— there is no in between —

The jungle makes no promises to the people. 

Shelter is not a given during the passing storm.

Mother will take back hers if 

She doesn’t feel honored or respected.

This land is not free.

It comes with a price.

Who will pay is beyond personal choice.

Beware.

The ocean in its vastness is still 

swallowed by the island.

— even if. 

For a moment the swallowing is returned.

Eventually 

the ocean retreats

restoring balance.

Life is simple here ; it’s not easy.

It’s probably one of the hardest places. 

To live.

Unoccupied.

— and still.

Smiles can be found

in the early wakeup calls by brother rooster.

Laughter can be heard 

well past the sun’s slumber.

— and love.

Love is found in the eyes.

The many eyes that
keep the village alive.

Perhaps — 

Getting here is a journey.

The gift of being here ; A treasure swallowed
By memories of the mind and heart.