poem: deja vu outside the duty free

Déjà vu outside the Duty Free—
(Only the Summer Savings signs
Have been replaced with synthetic evergreen
Twinkling. Christmastime in Heathrow Airport.)

Another long layover: stuck between two
Familiars. I sit and wait. To see you again
Somehow brings comfort.

Tell me, old friend, how does it feel to be
Rearranged—the same but different,
Decorated for another season?
Do you like the new yet miss the old? I know

The last time you saw me I was anxious,
Full of wonderings. Thoughts taken off the shelf
And replaced with experience:
A crocodile’s tail is smooth,
The gutters smell of mud and urine,
And the children I teach can make me laugh.

Ghanaian fingers braided my hair,
Ghanaian sun darkened my skin, and
Sand itches between my toes. I’m wearing sneakers,
Because I’m on my way to colder weather
And a brick house: it’s my home,

Right?

Tell me, old friend, have we grown, you and I?
Are the shelves well stocked with new
Products to offer, from around the world?
Are the customers ready to invade, and
What do they want to buy from us?

………….

Wow, I’m talking to a store.
But thanks for listening.

~rjr 12/22/03, 3/19/04