TOURIST TRANSPORT

When people come to a poem (through their own free will),

they are prepared to step off familiar shores, ferried by

the poet gondolier.

The vessel must be yare and in keeping with the scene,

ideally classical in design – without intruding technology –

and with simple lines.

The ride must be as smooth as the gondolier’s crooning,

since they must feel safe aboard, before they can be lulled

into unguarded romanticism.

Then, coloring truth with song,

the gondolier must disappear

into scenic background.