When I opened my eyes, I knew
I was looking at the river Seine.
I’d seen the City of Light’s landmarks in books, and I
recognized it immediately, though I’d never been.
Through the dark of night, rising from the Left Bank,
I could see the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower.
The moon was a perfect glowing disc radiating
over the city with its full moon power.
It must have been even later than I realized,
for there was not a soul on the street.
I began to walk in urgent haste, though not sure
whereto—I simply followed the direction of my feet.
I must have made a dozen turns—somehow,
my legs knew exactly where they wanted to go.
A winter storm was on its way, and the cobblestones
were blanketed in a soft, gray snow.
Soon, I’d completely lost my bearings
and no longer knew m
