Frank Cavano’s most recent poem to appear here was “It’s Crazy” (November 2017)

Midway on the Ramp Between Ship and Shore
By Frank Cavano

Midway on the ramp between ship and shore
she stands, purple iris in her hand. Eyes and
head motionless she studies the world and its
bodies in a single glance. Then, sighing, eyes
seem to look inward at something we cannot
see or feel or remember. Flower meets ocean
surface and a bright purple light bathes her as
she lingers just one instant more. Then, as if
listening to a song she has always loved, she
smiles, turns.

Go back up the ramp, Maya. Go back, go back!
Down the ramp only complexity reigns. Genius
is simplicity. You know it but we must learn it
still. Up the ramp, Maya. Not one foot here and
one foot there! Be for all of us that lovely Song
You forever Are.

For Maya and all Down’s Syndrome children
wherever we may find them.