The arrangement was he should bring something back
on his return
some souvenir a symbol a proof
something to make up for his absence

the Eiffel Tower on a little chain
a Red Indian's feather a fur cap a piece of pottery
an uncut diamond desert sand in a trouser turn-up
or a strange song on his lips

only then did they reluctantly let him go
reluctantly
did he understand?

he promised it at once
anything to get away from them
just managed to miss a farewell party
friends and family waving goodbye
a hired band or whatever else they'd thought up

he set off in the dead of night
without provisions or compass
just started walking goodbye stars goodbye earth
goodbye breath goodbye silence for ever