1.

“Before the Bar”

Too tired to freshen up

in time to make the dinner 

engagement, all this 

continental talent rests 

in its rooms.

It’s a long haul for all  

and the one most concerned,

not yet the doctor, practices yoga.

It holds her together while  

the rest are at rest.

Ponta Delgada, São Miguel

29/30 Sept. 1987

2.

“At the Bar”

That time, in Lisbon, in the company of your husband,

 you insisted on paying for my coffee.  Mind you, you

 didn’t ask your husband to pay for it, as someone else 

might have, in deference to the norms and expectations

 of ordinary married beings, comfortable or not.  I was

 puzzled then and don’t understand it now.  It took a bit 

 of courage to assert yourself so, perhaps as much as it

 might do now-but I only surmise.  Decisive decision,

 moment to take the charge, it hangs there, still, opaque.

Windham, CT

 22 Mar. 2011

3.

“Aria”

She recognizes her past and tries to speak but can not

string a word together, let alone a sentence.  The eyes

are bright but no brighter than her smile.  Here is her

past in the present, in the flesh, and she recognizes it all. 

Too much frustration, though, and then mercy comes her

way when a friend whisks her off to join the chamarita

that is circling in the open space before us.  How happy

she is, letting her body do what her voice refuses her. 

There she goes, round and round, happy at making it

work for her.  Dance, ballerina, dance, dance it away!

Windham, CT

14 Mar. 2013

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Nota: Legenda Foto.

Bar da esplanada da Praia do Pópulo,verão 2008.(LPN)