Not given to superlatives (as you know, ahem!), I felt I had to break the pattern yesterday on the way home from the daily swim and jot some thoughts about the wonderful three weeks I”ve spent here on Spetses with some of my dear friends and family.
I sat on the seawall outside the house and for some reason thought “poetry”.
Well! All my plans to get something on paper about the trip to Portugal in May (yes, May) went with the wind and I started writing, right there. I didn”t feel the sun blazing down (at first).
TO SPITI CHARLIE
The air is so clean with light ever changing,
Crystal clear waters with blue green amazing.
Sea lapping and rolling.
The sun is warm and the sky so blue,
Breezes blow to rustle and cool.
Pines stir.
Our house Spiti Charlie overlooking the sea
Is an old Sea Captain’s cottage quaint as can be.
What past has it seen!
Venetian stencilling and art deco on walls,
Floors are all painted Greek-style to the doors.
A grand residence!
A garden so decadent in old English ways,
With flowers and herbs and vines holding sway.
Flashes of colour and scent.
Always come sunset on long summer days,
The smell of sweet jasmine steals breath away.
The insects buzz.
Spetses sea motifs in black and white stones,
Take drastic a toll on poor old man’s bones.
On the garden path.
With sea so inviting to swim is a treat,
We walk to the water with crocs on our feet.
Sea urchins? Who cares!
Awake from siesta as twilight descends,
And sit on the terrace to chat idly with friends.
Dinner can wait!
Sunrise or sunset, whatever it be,
I look out my window and take in the sea.
Aaah! How I’ll miss Spiti Charlie!
Michael Musgrave, Sydney – 4th July 2009