As One Would Say Go Forward My Friend

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Luis Omar Salinas
walks through the hills of Spain
in a dream.

Miguel Hernandez walks at his side.

In the quiet night
they listen to
mockingbirds
softly singing.

Salinas says
to Hernandez
I need to be alone.

Go forward, my friend, says Hernandez.

Luis Omar contemplates death.
He knows Hernandez is
a ghost, but also a
helpful guide and friend.

Hernandez walks away whistling.

Luis Omar looks to the sky.
There is a full moon.
He feels at home.

His dream takes him
to Central California.
His hands are calloused
and mulberry trees
appear in the distance.
Hernandez is with him again.

They are children
playing with imaginary swords
in a dusty field.
No one draws blood
in this dream like heaven.

Hernandez and Salinas say goodbye.

Miguel Hernandez walks
through the hills of Spain; Luis Omar
strolls under a Fresno moon.