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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The sun as well rises
On the narrowest of streets –
Promise ever anew.
Covid-closed tavern
Unlikely to reopen –
Vociferous stillness
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.
Quiet street
Quiet walk
Quiet mind
Quiet street
Late afternoon storm has come and then gone.
Let storms always come and go.
The sun has broken through clouds in the west.
Let the sun always break through clouds.
Rainbow delights in the eastern sky.
Let rainbows always delight.
Vilano Images 