Viaticum
That all roads led to Rome, we know,
but what of all those bygone travelers,
the provisions and allowances
that saw them on their way — the litter
or the cart, the nuts and dates
and honeyed bread and wine,
coins to grease a palm or pay a toll?
And then the Eucharist for those near death,
as if the afterlife were also on a road
and prayers were grave goods for
their migrant souls.
So many crossroads and cross-purposes.
Imagine the gridlock
after earthquake, the fire and flood!
Now it’s all humdrum. No laden
hampers or talisman against the evil eye,
no provender ‘just in case’. There’s
a sign for food and toilets every 20 miles,
a Burger King, McDonald’s, fish and chips,
yet still I carry your photograph
and bear in mind your words
that sent me on my way –
Take care. I love you. Come back soon.
Call us when you can.
by Michael Jackson
from Dead Reckoning
Aukland University Press, 2006
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