The Navigator

to Mau Piailug who now navigates among the stars

One day out of Satawal
With its embracing lagoon
As warm and welcome as a mother
Where children and turtles play
Among coral and groupers
In water as clear as glass

Two days out of Satawal
Towards where Altair rises
And Venus passes in transit
Among the arms of Orion
Or whatever the old lore whisper
To the mind of the Navigator

Five days out of Satawal
Waves lashing through the ropes
Angry sea and howling wind
Creaking pole of the outrigger
Last coconut gnawed in the dark
Doubt, fear and despair grip your groin

Six days out of Satawal
Sunrise on another lagoon
Huts, food and smiles beckon
Old man how can it be
Were we not tossed to the gods already
How did you find that island there

Eyes twinkling in a grizzled face
O foreigner don't you know
From the time of the grandmothers
Of my beloved grandmothers
This island that there you see
Has always been here