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