flamenco guitar

observations of the mighration of the older generation from the countryside to the larger villages and towns in andalucia during the last three decades.

FLAMENCO GUITAR

Guitar notes with
Vibrant life force send
Hollow echoes upward reaching
Along stone steps,
climbing through patios
To roof terraces
Bedecked in flailing washing flags.

Carried along
Sleeping streets, creeping
Through chain door curtains
Wafting with the sounds.

Around a dog, sossed
Paws crossed
One eye open and alert,
The rest of him, asleep.

Views of washing, stone and tile,
Azul sky, narrow-rib boned between
Upward  grasping walls.

from cellared vaults
Where wine slumbers,
Upward to an attic place
With walnuts drying
In the afternoon haze.

Work stops,
Siesta sleepers listen
Their earth-bound souls
Now stirring.
All join in conscious knowing
Of these sleeping notes.
A brief  respite
From their daily drudge.
Freedom of spirit
In their now urban scene.

Their thoughts linger
Upon silver-leafed olive trees.
Sighing, laughing streams
Are heard, and see
The orange glow of ripe fruit
Yet unplucked.

Each note
Causing them to ponder,
Sensing, nose-twitching scents
Of February almond blossom, and
The crackle of walnuts
In the August heat.

These once rural workers of the soil
Exchanged rhythmic seasons
And harmony with the land,
For high balconies and
Gossip shouted across the narrow streets.

Now, here in the city,
Those vistas no longer seen, but still
The sense of oneness
Felt with memories
Both sad and glad,
Swelling emotions of the heart
By the notes
Of the flamenco guitar.