Native Wall

There is a wall by the sea in Nassau
A native wall where you can sit
And watch other peoples boats go by
As you eat your breakfast of bread and tea.

You may swim in the harbor at dawn
And wash in salt water and sit on the wall
Until the beach opens for tourists
Who do not want to see you washing.

They come for a tan and a Kalik
And to listen to music they do not understand
And are amused and a little rude
And then they are gone.

The men who wash and sit on the wall
Are workers at the big hotels ands stores.
They put on their uniforms and go to work
Salty and tired and a little sad.

The see you and say “Good Morning!”
And mean it when they say have a nice day.
They call you “Sir” or “Ma’am”
And say “Good Night!” not Good Evening.

They go home to their small houses
And smile when they see their small children
Fresh from school in their smart uniforms
And love them and are happy to be home.

The next day, they may go to the wall
Or wash in the sea, scrubbing off
A little of themselves every day
So that others will enjoy Nassau.

The native wall watches this never-ending play
Without judgment, blame, or guilt
And provides a sheltered place to sit
Where you may think about the day to come
And all the days that have passed by.

Tom Crowley
January 7, 2010
From the Towne Hotel, Nassau