The Traveling Man

I am the traveling man.
  I've seen the world from Osan to Kulyab.
I've eaten breakfast in forgotten bunkers where American boys
  Awaited the Japanese
Far out in the Alutian Islands.
  I've had lunch in five-star restaurants in Dubai.
I've had dinner in war ravished Iraq
  And humble Ohio kitchens.

I am the traveling man.
  I whisper along under a dark blanket.
I travel in sphere or tube of light and fire,
  Sparked by long stored star particles
Sent here in eons before time began.

I am the traveling man.
  Red tail lights curve before me, crest and dip.
Souls plunge into the night ahead.
  White lights follow me, blinding.
I cannot see the passions
  I may have left behind.

I am the traveling man.
  A city welcomes me with cautious embrace.
Harrisburgh.  Omaha.  Anchorage.
  At the taste of my wandering heart,
I am spit out to go seek Ninevah.

I am the traveling man. 
  Like God the universe wanderer,
Setting stars and time in motion.
  But my heart longs to be with my beloved.
She is in a place I cannot go.

I am the traveling man.
  The nightly silence rings.
Faintly behind it the memory of small feet
  Dance and play in the next room.

I am the traveling man.
  Pull me in, but send me out.
Ferocious momentum.  Light speed.
  Love blossoms in velocity.
But dies in the wind.

I am the traveling man.
  Sleep comes where it must.
Hotel.  Back seat.  Airplane.  Outside.
  Darkness pulls over my head,
Speckled pin pricks of light.
  I go so far for it to find me.

I am the traveling man.
  There was a precious in my pocket.
My goal, my purpose, my dream.
  I pulled it out, but it was gone.
Coveting it, I fled.

I am the traveling man.
  A million keys have passed me.
Rooms.  Jobs.  Hearts.
  Could I build a house from those keys?
Would that house be home?

I am the traveling man.
  Where is the rock where I can land?
What is the place where my quiet place resides?
  There, will the traveling food end?
Will the fatty, frozen, fake, unzip, feast
  Become the plant, grow, clean, snap, nourish?

I am the traveling man.
  Open your arms to welcome me.
Feed me from your pantry.
  Clear the dust from my face and feet.
Learn from the wisdom I bring.
  But do not lock the door.