pilgrims

accustomed now to uncertainty 

sift the stories at the way-station 

for the next stage 

in the weight of small detail a whole

world remembered and set aside

courteous one gives what one can

accepts what is offered  leaves

the room undisturbed.

shuttered windows frame the landscape,

afternoon smell of wood smoke, sweat.

each waits

pulled by the hand

as a small child in a crowd 

is carried it knows somehow home