Marie Bortolotto 2019

Don’t just stand there

 with your hair turning grey,

Soon enough the seas 
will sink your little island.
So while there is still 
the illusion of time
set out for another shore.
No sense packing a bag.
You won’t be able 
to lift it into your boat.
Give away all your collections.
Take only new seeds and an old stick.
Send out some prayers
on the wind before you sail.
Don’t be afraid.
Someone knows you’re coming.
An extra fish has been salted.

- Mono (Sono) Santacroce (1928 - 1995)