Guinea Gall

Kevin Young

And one day, when, I will cross
Great Water, walk and reach
that final rise

and find them
singing. There,
in the valley, they all will be.

Forgive me, Grandfather, for wanting
to hear you again
for leaning close to strain

to understand what you are saying.
And, Mother, Father, for expecting
to kiss again your wide hands

even though I still can.
In my breast
pocket I shall keep

the ticket the conductor
sold me
stamped One Wayscaps .
scaps0
That day even rain can't delay.

And we will sit and rock
and sip our drinks—
watching the sun toward us bring

the red light like an arriving train.
University of Virginia Virginia Quarterly Review
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