Always I travelled farther
dreading a barrier
starting at shadows scattered on the ground
fearful of the invisible night-sound,

till in that straight career
I crossed frontier
the questions asked        the proofs shown    the name
signed smiling       I reached knowledge of my home.

I praised their matings
and corner-meetings
their streets the brightest I had yet walked down    :
my family swore I did not leave my town

thought that I lied
and had not signed
those passports, tickets, contracts, bills of sale
but still rested among them and wished them well.

Over my shoulder
I see they grow older
their vision fails   :   observe I travel light
fear distance      hope I shall only spend the night.

But night in this country
is deep promise of day,
is busy with preparations and awake for fighting
and there is no time for leavetaking and regretting.

I know their tired house
full of remorse
I know in my body the door, the entrance-hall
a wall and my space and another wall.

I have left forever
house and maternal river
given up sitting in that private tomb
quitted that land     that house      that velvet room.

Frontiers admitted me
to a growing country
I carry the proofs of my birth and my mind’s reasons
but reckon with their struggle and their seasons.