The very syllables intoxicate:
clove, ginger, cardomom, angelica
-
I follow Portuguese adventurers,
high-hearted, voyaging expectantly
through fabled frontiers
fantastical
with dragons; circumvent
remarkable
fish, monstrous, goggle-eyed,
malevolent;
ride whirlwinds spiralling
improbably
to islands enchanted, mysterious,
in drifting, languorous
tranquillity;
I harbour lazily, felicitous,
rock among blossoming anchorages
as silky, rippling underwaters
wash time-worn timbering,
delightfully.
Warm spices wantonly insinuate
their teasing presences,
permeating
breath, threading memory,
tantalising
dark desires - offering aromatic
balm, saffron, cinnamon, oregano,
mace, nutmeg, paprika, coriander:
deep fragrant drawerfuls,
overwhelming
my senses - delicious discovery!
(January,
1990)
