Carmona Poem Gifted to the city of Carmona, Spain 2019
CARMONA
Rose colored light scorched by the summer sun of southern Spain
The wilted sunflowers in the fields now brown and weathered from the dry heat
Their seeds are brown with withered petals, no golden flowers to inspire us
Leaving us wishing we had been here a month ago when fields were green
Rains did fall upon this dry brown earth, and brought forth the fruits of the fields
Life is slower here, revolving like the earth, around the sun
When she shines her bold screaming yellow face down upon us
We seek the shelter in the shade, anywhere we can find it
Early to rise before she begins her scorching heat
Like busy ants the people scurry to the markets, greet their neighbors
Make their way on foot around the ancient city
When the sun is highest, hottest, the windows are shuddered, the siesta begins
A big meal midday, and then a restful nap, until the light begins to lessen
Life resumes again and stores re open around the hours of 6 or 7
But no one here eats as we do, at 8 pm sharp we march like lemmings to the food
Relieved and rested, we seek water and wine, fish and fowl, pig and cow
Olives, and fruits abundant and fresh
We eat and chatter, and share our thoughts as the night falls upon this jewel with its massive stone gate guarding the citizens
7000 Years mankind has settled here in the golden hills of Carmona
Our dinner has just begun
We wander the streets along white washed buildings
Shining brightly in the Spanish summer sun,
Reflecting the heat away from the city streets
Painted white in Moorish times to alleviate the scorching summer heat
Small narrow streets, shaded by buildings close together
Keeping the citizens cool as they find their way around the ancient city
We stand before the Grand Gate of Carmona, once a fortress
Strong and foreboding the majestic gate
It kept the marauders from entering within the city walls
In this ancient city there are three palaces, each a treasure of architecture
Purple and orange, white and gold
Red with the color of the earth’s clay
Here in the dry southern landscape of Southern Spain