Pearls
My shoes leak white over the polished floor.
Hong Kong - ninety per cent humidity in June.
I feel the cool smooth surface of
pearls against my skin -two rows,
cultured in Japan.
The strong flavour of the Orient overwhelms me.
Home is not here
I miss the gentle spring.
Translucent colours focus my mind
The pearls give assurance, keep me calm.
My husband gave them to me
when our daughter was born.
I know I can rely on them at any time.
When stress overwhelms me
I touch the pearls and relax.
They are my memory and my future.
© Elizabeth Mary Solomons 2002