Christopher Columbus

Today it struck me that ole CC did not know where he was going, either.  Just set sail for what he thought was probably China and found... the Bahamas.  In the midst of journeys which have their unfamiliar pieces, I am glad for the familiar touchstones, glad for family and autumn and writing something every day, no matter what.


Today is Columbus Day. On October 12th, 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on an island in what is now the Bahamas.

The Bahamas sound appealing

But first

I*d rather not miss anything here.

I squint at the computer screen

Blown up larger than life,

Write in the morning sun.

It slants autumn

Through the front window.

Fall completely arrived

Over the weekend.

In the backyard

Leaves fill the lawn.

The clients I did not have in summer

Called to set up appointments

For the one day

I was never in the office

Before.

Christopher Columbus did not know

About the Bahamas

Before he set sail.

I imagine he thought he would end up

Someplace familiar.

Me too.

I planned a different trip.

Now is the familiar

Through shimmery eye, bigger letters,

Another six months of chauffeured

Luxury.

Now I find familiar fall light

The family breathing soft upstairs

And the Bahamas

On the horizon.

Me and Chris.

Chris and me.