Malaysia

The gentle breezes danced On the tips of the harbor waves As I watched the village Filled with huts fade away On the Malaysian shoreline All of the fisherman In their long boats followed Until all that was left Was the syncopated beating Of oars striking the sea In tempo to some old chant That I had heard them sing Many, many times before It’s been over thirty years Since I have seen Malaysia And the sun burnt faces Of the children playing On the white sandy beaches But when the summer sun Beats hot over the land Casting long, long shadows Into the deep green forest trees I can still feel Malaysia Rippling over me Like a cool sea breeze Carrying the memories Of a young man Standing on the bow Of an old clipper ship Watching village huts fade Along a Malaysian shoreline