There is a marc in the air today
Storms are expected
You are waiting for me at the Gare D’Arc-Et-Senans railway station
A small grey and blue trains stops
Nobody alights or boards the train
You ignore it and remain seated
On the wooden bench
Near the dusty lane
Waiting for the express to pass
It is due in forty minutes
The air is getting heavier
And you can feel the sweat building
Under the straps of your cotton dress
You remove your sandals
As you want to feel the warm platform
Beneath your feet
Everything is still apart from the gathering breeze
Which betrays its parents
You are glad of it
And close your eyes
Imaging ships from the
Royal China Seas
On the nearby river
I am the captain of one of these ships
And when you come into view
I abandon my ship
And let it drift aimlessly
Towards the sea
I run across the dry meadows
And with care cross the lines
You are still asleep
I lay on the low platform
Watching you
There is distant rumble
And then a flash
The express is approaching the station
The noise wakes you
But you do not see me
And wave at my brother
As he passes at great speed
Through the station
Raindrops the size of coins
Start to inhibit the platform
And you run for shelter
Another small blue and grey train arrives
I kiss you lightly on your cheek
As you continue your journey
Your dress is damp to the touch
And the rain runs down your bare arms
You are carrying your sandals
These are the memories
I will retain as I hunt my errant ship
On the river of your dreams