Three weeks staying at Spiti Charlie, a Sea Captain’s grand old home looking out to sea on the one side, and over a pine-shaded lane on the other . . . So relaxing on this island of Spetses in the Peloponnese, about two hours from Athens. It could drive a man to drink . . . or to poetry!
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.
Gardenia, honeysuckle and flowering chives waft,
While pink oleander hangs heavy but soft.
Hibiscus and canna flash red.
Plumbago provides an abundance of blue,
Bougainvillea of scarlet and pink.
Reaching for the sky!
Butter cream flowers and brown backed magnolia.
Make such stark contrast to old silver olive.
Still there is light!
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.
I’ll miss Spiti Charlie!
Michael Musgrave, Sydney – 4th July 2009