Eric Tanner

Tears and Clovers

An iridescent snail trail
Across a map of Europe.
An iridescent snail trail
Of tears and four-leaf clovers.

In the Markplatz,
Early in the morning,
I received Pflannekuche
For a four-leaf clover.

In the Markplatz,
Early in the morning,
I received Bratwurst
For a four-leaf clover.

Anna from an Ashram
Fed more than a little.
Organic spaghetti
And vegan sauce.

No one gave drink;
Except, except in Dulmen
Two schnapps, a giant pizza
For a perfect four-leaf clover.

I slept in kornfeldts
Staring at the stars.
What are they?
What are they really?
When wealth is counted
In clovers.

Shola: (who once was Anna)

You have traveled far
So have I

Saffron and marigold
are your new colors
with them a new name

You sit calmly within yourself
as we sip tea.
I say, “I am traveling to the
ends of the earth.”

You give me an apple.