(2005)

This small island in the Wadden Sea,
where no one is allowed to go –
once, I was there.

Long ago,
before I even knew
who I would become.

Since then,
a quiet longing has grown within me:
to return

And once I’m there again,
I will see myself
in the red samphire,
the tidal creeks,
the fields of common sea-lavender.

And I will greet myself
with a smile.