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Places and Poetry




PLACES and POETRY


A discussion over dinner with friends landed on the topic of visiting Venice. All present had been fortunate to visit this unique city in Northern Italy at least once.

A few days later still mulling over my memories of Venice, I recalled sitting in Campo Santa Margherita and observing the scene across the piazza that morning.




The poet within heard the call and my notebook collected these words.

Poetry among other things is about recalling memories.

Italian Cafe Scene


I sit here
Outside a Venetian cafe
The chairs face the piazza
European style
Slowly sipping an overpriced cappuccino 
The faces of people passing reveal secrets
My gaze shifts to ancient buildings
bordering the square
I imagine the view from windows and balconies
Sitting here
Outside a Venetian cafe
The snakes in my head
And the mad cats clawing the inside of my belly
Vanish
Overwhelmed by the allure of tranquility
And the beauty
Of this morning

Comments

  1. The beauty of what surrounds us is often just the antidote we need for what struggles within. Lovely poem, Alan.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Tara. Yes, appreciating the beauty that surrounds us is something well worth the pursuit.

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  2. Ah, Venice...someday. Thank you for sharing your Venetian moment, Alan. I could almost smell the "overpriced cappuccino". =)

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    Replies
    1. Coffee is like that Bridget. Maybe a Venice vacation?

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  3. 'The snakes in my head
    And the mad cats clawing the inside of my belly'

    Such a strong and unexpected image.

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  4. The things that agitate, distract and annoy us sometimes require clear identification. It's a bit like Shakespeare's words of 'Out damned spot I say' It's so good when they evaporate or leave when we focus on the here and now and let it wash over us. Thanks for the feedback Katherine.

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  5. Your poem transported me. Someday I will sit European style. Until then, I'll enjoy your view. Thank you.

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  6. Julieanne, I am pleased you gained a sense of my vision. I hope you do get to sit and savour this very place one day in the not too distant future.

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  7. I have never been, but the picture reminds me of Quincy Market in Boston. I had never realized what a European layout that it has. Now I can feel like I have experienced a little taste. Thanks for sharing the great poem.

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  8. Glad you were able to make your own connection Brenda. That's important.

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  9. Lovely poem and gorgeous photo - takes me right back to Venice - my family and I were there early this year in June. I think we must have stopped for a photoshoot in this exact same place as well.

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    Replies
    1. Wow, synchronicity. The sharing of beauty in the same place. 'A thing of beauty is a joy forever' is an oft used quote. it is also very true. Thanks for dropping by Myra.

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