Across The Island

Bands of people,young and old, over 80 years ago
Came due north from Puerto Rico
They came across the island.

An act of Congress let them come,
Considered them American.
Better times were promised to them
So they came across the island.

Many traveled to and fro,
Many settled in their new homes.
New families began to grow
From the people of the island.

Among the things I wish I had
From the man I called my Dad
Was a chance to travel back in time
And visit on the island.

It could have been a week long trip
Or a cruise from a harbor on a ship.
Shoulder to shoulder, hip to hip
We'd walk across the island.

Now that time has come and gone
His dark brown eyes are setting suns.
We'd have to walk in spirit, father and son,
We'd walk across the island.

Bands of people, young and old, over 80 years ago
Came due north from Puerto Rico,
They came across the island.


....written shortly after my father's death in 2002