CHANGE IF YOU MUST, JUST CHANGE SLOW

We will crouch down then in a red earth
hollow, press our lips close to the heart
Of this deep Cockpit Country and call out
please don't change or change if you want
just change slow. Old countryman riding
jackass, big woman watering the dry peas
fat cow, and mawga dog, oneroom dwelling
with intricate carved lace fretwork eaves.
Heaped yam hills, garlands of green vines
cockades of bamboo on crown of the hillside.
Little bit a country village place or woodland
name of Content, Wire Fence, Stetin, All Sides.
Far from domain of gunman and town strife
country we leave from to go and make life.

Lorna Goodison