Rhodes

RHODES

There's no road to happiness.  Happiness is the road.

Once the boat has carried you along the river to your destination,
Leave the boat behind.
Feel free to walk on the other side,
Unencumbered by tide and wind.

You enter the valley of petaloudes,
In their meditating millions 
Clinging to the barks and leaves of the trees.

You notice none at first,
You think they are the barks and leaves;
Then one flutters off
And rests again.

You see they are the same,
Black with white chevrons on the wings.
What brought them here?
Why do they stay and not fly away?

You are drawn to the sun,
Unhinged from place and time,
Prised loose from seats within walls,
Unbound by shibboleths and virulent thought,

At peace on the road...in Rhodes.