ANTONIO MACHADO'S EARTH


You return miles from home
quenched from thirst
dazzled by the landscape
traveling on unveiled roads
in a low village of bird calls
from swallows
carrying your rucksack
on your hurting back
loaded with fruit
for an insomniac
fearing tomorrow
yet with a pale embrace
in the wilderness
wanting to hold back at first
to a secret love yet say,"Yes."