This Golden Bay

Blow swiftly, wind,

From foggy shores beyond the waves.

Stand proudly, gate

Where beauty of the bay enclaves.

Sail slowly, ships

That pass the bastille withdrawing.

Sing softly, birds

When thanking summer's welcoming.

Sweep steeply, hills,

As lofty slopes buckle the rides.

Shine brightly, lights,

At night in vibrant city skies.

Cheer loudly, friends,

In places full of careless fun.

Watch peacefully,

Together, at the setting sun.

I left my life

On these shores, alien to me.

I left my soul

On piers above the turquoise sea.

I left my love

In random streets I had not walked.

I left my smile,

With people whom I had not talked.

I left my stress

Beyond that misty morning air.

I left my tears

With people that may never care.

I left all fears

In places that were far removed.

I left my hate

In battles that no longer moved.

I did not look

But found it all with little trials.

In city streets,

On wooden piers and prison isles.

A sense of one,

Belonging and affinity

With somewhere I

Had never expected to be.

I lost my cares

But did not seek them out, and then

I found my sense

Of wonder in the world again.

I lost my head,

But gladly now will let it stay,

To find my heart

Once more within this golden bay.

Copyright © 2013 by Simon Austin

Based on my adventures in San Francisco, July 2013