Hueneme

It is the same Pacific but it is not the same Pacific
I know why I still miss you
Even though I know I should not
I know why I would rather play baseball with children
Than be with those of my own kind
I know why the old sea-faring men end up here
In outdated rugged satin jackets over hooded sweatshirts
Even when the sunlight beats down in the late winter sky
Why?
I know why the oil tanker is the most welcoming sight
Like a leper to Jesus, a believer in a crowd of so few,
A reminder that the world is small
And so heart-panged by all
Even with the beauteous Anacapa ridges
Even with the passion of children’s wishes
I know why these gorgeous beaches are deserted
I know why the haze covers the roots of the islands
I know why there is a no cheesy restaurant at the end of the pier
Because at the end of the year the last sound you will hear
Is the flag waving in the wind and lapping upon the pole—
Yes, this I do know…

I know where Hueneme gets its name
Even if I do not know its native tongue
I know why you dig holes in the sand
I know why from a distance the palm trees do not sway
I know your nightlife is merely miles away
But also why you never go
I hear the gull above the pier and the waves below
I know why the red ants are so large and why they scurry along
They hold the dreams we pass along
To the sea buoy and the oil drill
Held in by Santa Cruz’ will
I know why the sandfly lands on me
Echoing my thousand eyes cast on the hungry sea
I know why people visit you in the summertime
But in the winter your rooms cost a dime
I know why no one comes
I see the lifeless cars
I see your lifeless nighttime stars
Lighting up the lifeless boulevard
Why would you graffiti here
And lance the heart of prospects drear?
I know your motionless crane
And I know I’ll be back again
Next time will you remember my name?
I know you, Hueneme
I know a resting place is merely that
And that it is time to move on
But every year
I sing your same deserted song