Just a perfect day

"we all need days like these"

Let's go for breakfast in Adderley street
There's a  little bistro close to the garden,
Serving fresh ciabattas with German sausage,
While whiffs of strong espresso tickle our nostrils.
You'll babble happily about a crisis at work
And I'll dunk your doubts and frozen fears
In my steaming cappuccino, and softly smile,
And watch them dissolve, taking hand-picked
Chunks of  restrained affection, dropped, slowly,
Into your freshly squeezed orange juice.
I gather the little crusts scattered over your plate,
Folded into a serviette to feed the squirrels later.
We amble down the sidewalk to the flower sellers
Where the young boys try to maximise their sale,
Seeing our hand-in-hand slow stroll -
White dew-kissed carnations, glowing yellow roses,
And a dwarf orchid slipped into your hair.
We reach the sprawling green carpet at the garden
And slip into lovers' shade under the old oak,
While squirrels have their brunch directly from your hand.
I slide my arm around your soft, chilling shoulder
And your head finds comfort on my peaceful chest,
While we soak up the moment in each others' arms
Like the blanket of clouds hugging Table Mountain.

Author's Note

This picture of Table Mountain with cloud cover, taken from the gardens, inspired this poem. Cape Town (South Africa) was my home town, but I am unlikely to ever live there again......maybe one day before I die I can create this memory.

Reviews

[JayceeC]

Such vivid imagery takes me write into the scene, which is at once both ordinary and extraordinary. Ordinary because the scene is one played over and over in most parts of the world: going for coffee or tea; strolling a street hand in hand; gazing about and taking in the scenery; and a simple embrace of long affection. Extraordinary because of the beauty of the setting and the details: the clouds atop the mountain; the rose and orchid; the squirrel near the tree. It's all very sharply focused, yet has the overall feeling of relaxation--no hurry or rush, just a relaxing day with someone you love, and that enough to make it very special indeed.
Wonderful poem with the personal touch and feel of conversation, a peek into your inner circle, if you will. I enjoyed reading from top to bottom.

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thanks Jaycee for your insightful review! Isn't it wonderful when we can take slices of life and squeeze them into our love for poetry.....:)

[....................]

I love the dream-lime quality of this poem, SV...we all do need days like this, whether it s beneath this beautiful mountain, in a garden or along the water...the imagery here is stunning and the details vividly paint the picture perfectly..

[SleeplessVolcano]

Thanks FT......sometimes time and distance become a muse with unique character....;)....And it may just take one little trigger, like the smell of a rose, or the memory of a picture.......

[....................]

I agree, SV...the senses tend to elicit some of our strongest memories...you are welcome!