Preface for Leaving Homeland

Goodbye to Lampedusa

It is what they say

because the sea does not have footprints

to see where others have ended their journeys,

and today—this incandescent afternoon—

they tell you to follow

the path of the wind,

follow it to where the water leads you

as a new merchandise arrives

with a parcel of goodbye.
Goodbye is what they tell you

as your final parting gift, so close

your heart to unholy thoughts

about the waves.

Salawu Olajide