Jacaranda. I live in this
town
For the month of May I remain
All year I wait for this.
Lights go on and off.
I am frozen tired forgetful,
hot and cold
Alive. Alive
for you. City of Jacarandas.
Little pueblo grown large
a child with leukemia I have
not forgotten you
Jacaranda against your blues
color of my new home, color
of islands
color of tears. Blue
on blue, purple on blue.
May and June of all the
years there were
The shade of eucalyptus at
the curve of the road
where I waited once for
you to find me
Smoking Camels in another
world,
the hot sun, we never knew
how much would change.
We never knew how much of
a golden age it would be.
© Caitríona Reed 2000