There is a magic carpet
that wafts us round the world.
With classic form, flowers gay
and glorious colours swirled.
Of texture soft or rugged,
of silk or finest wool;
so skillful in it’s weaving,
that snags will never pull.
It has a thousand borders
where patterns play their roll;
with a multitude of tiny knots
important to the whole.
An artifact of priceless worth,
for all of us to own.
We ride this magic carpet,
as if it were a throne.
We may not ever master it
or use it very well,
while it helps us to communicate,
where sounds of Babel swell.
Now and then, with harshness,
or softness nearly sung;
this magic carpet carries us
on the words of every tongue.
David Garlick, Puerto Vallarta, February, 1999