Malta: Joe Friggieri

DEPARTING
by Joe Friggieri

When I'm about to leave forever
I want it to be at night
with crickets singing in the corn
and a full moon in the branches
of the eucalyptus

and I want someone to hold the window wide open
so I can pick a fragrant flower
and a big star.

And you, my love,
when the wind moans behind the door
and whirls among the cypress trees like a weary soul,
come up on tiptoe and draw the curtain.

from Cross Winds, Wilfion Books, 1980