where i was born the breakers strike
and seaward winds disguise
the rising up of clay red dikes
against the southern skies

where i come from the water groans
and sings along the streets
"why hold me back when your soul moans
to dip your hands, your feet?"

where i grew up the streets are dark
and dry for lack of rain
and trees lift up their dusty bark
towards water they can't obtain

when i was old a storm came through
and left the city drenched
then dike walls broke and rivers grew
till streets and trees were quenched