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waldopepper
Member

since 2003-03-18

Posts 157
Tennessee, USA

0 posted 2003-04-03 10:17 PM

Have you ever walked down Laurel Street at dawn?

It is very different from Calle Santa Rita.

One is named after a saint, and the other flowers,
and on Laurel Street there isn't a river
with beggar children splashing nude
in the cold rippling water.
The vendors aren't out and the milkman
doesn't ride a horse-cart.
Seasons change on Laurel Street,
sometimes snow, sometimes buttercups.
And on Calle Santa Rita it is green all year,
crickets singing in duple time.

Have you ever walked down Laurel Street at noon?

Ladies peer out their white curtained windows
and duck inside when you glance their way.
On Calle Santa Rita white-starched maids
lean over wrought iron fences, jabbering,
but then quieten when you pass.
(They both speak of the same things.)
At noon on Santa Rita or Laurel,
either one, my feet tire,
while my eyes search out in hopes
of a taxi or familiar car.

Have you ever walked down Laurel Street at dusk?

It isn't very different from Calle Santa Rita.

Music pours out of lazy windows,
six o'clock news, or las noticias.
But I sing the same old sleepy jean medley
and hope nobody hears me,
when I come upon them unexpectedly,
composing my latest walking song.

Have you ever walked down Laurel Street at night?

It is just like Calle Santa Rita.

I climb the stairs
and close the door
and I'm home.

[This message has been edited by waldopepper (04-03-2003 10:57 PM).]

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

1 posted 2003-04-03 10:54 PM

No, haven't walked down Laurel Street before but your words sure took me there...

I like the line "(They both speak of the same things.)"...made me pause to reflect on the mental images i just conjured and postulate what kind of things might have been spoken...

But I sing the same old sleepy jean medley
and hope nobody hears me,
when I come upon them unexpectedly,
composing my latest walking song.

well, i don't compose songs but i sing to myself a little too much..this brought a chuckle...

and er, this isn't in book submissions mode yet...

waldopepper
Member

since 2003-03-18

Posts 157
Tennessee, USA

2 posted 2003-04-03 10:59 PM

Thanks Kaile, I appreciate your comments and hoped that the reader might identify with that kind of stroll through the streets. Oops, I keep forgetting about the book submission thing, must be getting old! Thanks for the reminder.

kaile

Member Ascendant

since 2000-02-06

Posts 5146
singapore

3 posted 2003-04-04 07:50 AM

coming back with my vote

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

4 posted 2003-04-04 08:12 AM

I enjoyed the leisurely stroll with you.

Full of vivid imagery--engaging my senses and evoking emotions. Wonderful, feel-good reading experience.

...and then you returned to your home, sweet home!

Love & Light,
Linda

Joyce Johnson

Member Rara Avis

since 2001-03-10

Posts 9912
Washington State

5 posted 2003-04-04 11:17 AM

Either street sounds delightful. Joyce

WhiteRose
Member Elite

since 2002-07-23

Posts 3208
somebody's dungeon

6 posted 2003-04-04 08:59 PM

lorenlynn
Member

since 2003-01-27

Posts 203
California Beaches

7 posted 2003-04-04 09:36 PM

Very visual! Nice indeed.

waldopepper
Member

since 2003-03-18

Posts 157
Tennessee, USA

8 posted 2003-04-04 10:47 PM

Thanks everybody. This piece is a sweet memory for me and a good friend from my college days. She lives far away now, but we still have the opportunity to chat now and then. Thanks again for the wonderful comments.

SPIRIT
Senior Member

since 2002-12-29

Posts 1745
California Desert

9 posted 2003-04-05 12:18 PM

Just so darn nice - I happily cast my vote.

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

10 posted 2003-04-05 06:17 PM

(smiles) Oh Walter, I love this, dearest friend, I love the barrios and want to grow up and live down in southern California or south of the border when I can! (big hugggssssss) This is marvelous, sweet friend, yay, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Walter, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Bill Charles
Member Patricius

since 2000-07-11

Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now

11 posted 2003-04-05 07:45 PM

waldopepper - enjoyed your trip down Laurel Street... My vote is cast...

BC

Taco Jonez
Junior Member

since 2003-04-04

Posts 22
St. Petersburg, FL

12 posted 2003-04-07 11:57 AM

hey waldo- I totally enjoyed this poem...so different from where i have seen your other works...i find it refreshing...

taco

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