The Kingdom’s Old Man

The Kingdom’s Old Man ©

Old man, your eyes twinkle
As you turn slowly towards the twilight.
Your deep sigh hangs in the temple of the
Mind as does the darkness of the bay.

Old man with deeply furrowed face,
you walk softly through my days; loudly
Through my nights. Your voice echoes in my
Words; your silence is imprinted in my gaze.

Old man, you were captured in your youth;
conscripted as a servant for the kingdom’s
Exclusive use. With blinders and a yoke, you
Elevated its gold-gilded shrines.

You slaved in choking seas of cane,
Dark grimy factories, and sterilized passage-
Ways--as a member of the peon race; but your
Eyes turned to the sun whenever you had a chance.

Old man, you dared a humble dream of living
With the earth, living life, enjoying the
Breeze; but it held you ‘til your spirit was
Dragged in mud and life was nearly done.

Old man, you’re back to your beginning—gained
Little, lost much. But you’re back to your
Conuco—reclaiming life, sowing the earth,
Preparing your spirit to be freed.

Old man, your eyes twinkle
As you turn slowly towards the twilight.
Your deep sigh hangs in the temple of the
Mind as does the darkness of the bay.

American Taíno