We need three mangrove trees,
a bamboo hut,
and a shoreline.
We need a little supply boat
to putter into our bay
of half dreams
every other day.
We need one bald gentleman
with skin like an oiled glove,
one old lady
in a thong,
and one Frenchman
with a young local
companion.
We need the ginger parts
of our bodies
to remain untouched
by the sun, and for the moon
to wash under our huts at night.
We need to go without running water,
to nap anytime we want,
and to bathe in the sea.
We need
to miss things, occasionally
to be the spoiled princess,
the boyish villain.
We need to know
but for our money,
we are hated here
and love
every minute
of our stay.
As appeared in Catching Dawn’s Breath, 2008 (Lyricalmyrical Press).