Anna and Refuge, 1965.

Alone

And in a new place

One carryall

Off the bus

Little cash and

One name and address.

Aunt Ida had given this out

Along with sixty bucks.

In her precious letter.

Anna, 235 Porter Street.

Bridgewater, NS.



Taxi took twelve dollars.

Chatty guy, Somalian.

Been in the Dominion

Seventeen months.

Little bachelor’s room.

Not far from Anna’s.





He knew about her.

Former Yugoslavian.

Spinster.

Heart of gold.

Big as Fundy’s Bay.

Third floor apartment.

Held two adjacent ones.

Let out short term

For peanuts to new arrivals.

Got some help in this

From Orthodox church.



Stomped up three flights

And knocked sheepishly

Door opened to

This plumpish woman

Rosy cheeks, smiling

Closely cut white hair.

Apron on.





It’s you…Natalia.

Ida told me everything.

Come, come.

Coat in front closet

Relieved of carryall.

Simple prayer plaque

With painted red roses.

Beside front hall mirror.

Lord I give you this Day.

Use me. Sustain me. Amen.





Home…for now.