Red Caravans

Painting by Mumtaz Yener

Caravanas Rojo

Red Caravans

I am satisfied they know what
they are doing, where they are
going. In unison, not one looks
for an express lane or instant
gratification. Each bares weight
greater than them selves with
their legs, skulls, neck and jaws.

Unflinching, they labor as one,
knowing thousands of nest mates
will freely come to their assist,
as they stretch, stir and yawn
in the beginning of every day.

Reading my words back, I retract
history, till even this sun is new.
A revelation of light, weightless
on my shoulder, passes through
transparent tissue; I sketch the
ancient rhyme of ant colonies; red
caravans, far from sand mountains.

Deborah Russell, © 2006
Feature on upcoming CD:
Air That Breathes © 2006