Prelude by Jorge Barbosa

When the explorer landed on the first island
no innocent,
fearful or naked
men and women
peered from behind the vegetation

neither poisoned arrows flying
nor cries of alarm or war
were echoing through the highlands

–there were only
sharp-taloned birds of prey
far-travelled
sea birds
melodious birds
whistling unknown songs.

The vegetation
had sprung from seeds
carried on the wings of birds
swept to this place
by furious storms.

When the explorer arrived
jumping from the beached boat
his right foot
sinking into the soaked sand

and blessed himself
uneasy and amazed
thinking of his King
then at that hour
at that very first hour
the destiny of us all
began to be fulfilled.