bali.

bali.

i want to wake to rice paddies
with the mountains standing watch behind
see the morning sunlight streaming in
through the vents of bamboo blinds

i want to walk along the ocean
with the drift woods washed ashore
sit in silence as the sun sets
orange and blue melding as twilight falls

i want to walk on shaded walkways
lined with age-old banyan trees
breathe in the scent of frangipanis
fallen petals amongst my feet

i want to watch a temple procession
transfixing dancers who command our gaze
a mark of respect for both the evil and kind
a cosmic balance of remarkable grace

i want to return to the island
that's held my heart captive all these years
it's an inexplicable longing
one that won't cave in to unfounded fears

and if you are there with me
open your heart and look around
watch the island's gentle souls
feel the pulse of the tourist town

they're still picking up the pieces
shattered shards you left behind
so please turn back and walk away
there's no need for yet another rewind.