Ulysses In Still Waters

1-Passport

Wherever did I say I was
this widely-travelled man?
A double page am I,
raised as a tent
and fit to leave my home,
immoderate a mouth:
a worderer.

Whenever plunging years
were rolling, my naked eye
stood still to picture them.

2-Travel case

Now with me only talismen,
and thrashing pictures from
two books: my parents.

Colour copies, more specific:
Furs and Fruits and Molluscs,
tender Reptiles, Minerals;
so tenderly and blushing those
three Graces at a bargain price;
two older sons, Mammalians;
Anthropods, Woods and Flowers,
Metric system and Soup greens;
Religious costumes,
and the photogenic Fish
who seems to look into
the deaf horizon.

There, in the cracking crease,
frivolity of tiny gods who,
fiercely hissing, showing off,
and sidewards charging
passing crabs, retreat.

3-Arrival

Finally, set on a voyage
so divine, to the horizon.

As to quite
simply coming on the way
to Rome. Then, empty-handed,
coming home.

Where on the universe
the outlook blocked
by kidney stones.