Temptation

Blue door in wall ajar

Snares meandering mind ‑‑

Forbidden portal beckons

Garden Door on Aviles Street

You wouldn’t think,

What with the nicely potted flowers

That flank the stained wooden garden door,

And, what with the bold golden colors

Of the distressed garden wall,

No, you wouldn’t think

That the single, bare, and unassuming branch

Visible through the barred window

Would maintain such a grip on my attention.

Passing Thoughts

This morning I sense Death following.

I can’t say how far he’s behind,

But I’m certain he’s closer than last year

And now has a longer stride than mine.

That said, those stunning blossoms ahead

Call for a moment or two of my time.

Grandfather’s Visit

Fading from view a sliver more each stay,

He stands at the French doors,

Observing the game outside while drifting inward

Toward missing-frame memories of some distant past.

An Ending Out of Sight

This charming street is descending now

With gravity quickening our step.

Ahead, I see our route curve north,

And while I cannot be certain,

I sense we approach the edge of town.

Still, if true, there’s little to be done

But to slow our pace, hold hands firmly,

And see our pleasant stroll to its end.

The House at the End of Vilano Bridge

Look there to your right.

Do you see that small white house

Nestled in the trees at water’s edge?

I look for it each time I cross the bridge

As I head toward town.

And each time I feel that it’s calling to me,

Though I can’t put in words exactly why.

And each time I feel my heart reply,

Though I can’t put in words exactly why.

Again a New Day

The sun as well rises

On the narrowest of streets –

Promise ever anew.

The Prince of Wales English Pub

Covid-closed tavern

Unlikely to reopen –

Vociferous stillness

Early Morning on Aviles Street

The sun has cleared the horizon beyond the inlet,

And now, to the rhythm of the nearing street sweeper’s brushes,

The homeless man gathers his things at night’s bench,

And the shopkeepers re-tidy their window displays from within.

Finally, the tour trollies leave their garage,

As the tourists settle their breakfast charges.

Oh, Aviles, brace ye for the approaching wave.

Spanish Street Tourism Lull

Quiet street

Quiet walk

Quiet mind