Américain
Américain!
He calls out
in French
near the train station at Cassis
l’homme
eager small young traveler,
early twenties.
Showing me a book by
Jack Kerouac—
Le vagabond solitaire.
Asked if I liked Kerouac;
for sure.
Rucksack partially strapped
over his back,
smiling, you’re américain
he can tell, feel it.
We both have packs, riding
le chemin de fer
stop for stops, hiking, camping
making friends.
Days later, grabbing my rucksack,
to ride the trains again.
Traveling along for Saint-Tropez, Nice,
maybe Monaco.
Blurring colorful flowing trees
la mer in summer.
Opening my bag
found the book he slipped in.
Viewing
Le vagabond solitaire.
Favorite book of his,
paperback,
traveling with him,
given away.