ISLAND

a train winds slowly through sinuous valleys
sprinkled with orchards of white pear blossom
over the crest of a hill
a fresh green leaf floats serenely on the water
an island
a general
a battle
a legend
a story
a romance
a wave
a self-proclaimed republic
a grumbling ferry engine approaches the jetty
late blossom flowers among multi-hued trees
pine needles filter the dappled sunlight
cheeky long-eared squirrels bound
crested woodpeckers peek
stressed ostriches sprint as bullies give chase
wobbly peddle carts trundle past giants' fingers
mountainous hands extend
a moon and a star fly in the breeze
back across the water
homeward bound on the starlight express