“Buenos Dias, Buenos Dias,”
A little girl sings, waking me from sleep.
I imagine her skipping down the cobblestone streets,
rousing others with her song.
I opened my eyes and realized, last night was not a dream.
I did arrive in Seville, Spain– the land that has captured my daughter’s heart.
I did breathe in the sweet scent of Moroccan oil clinging to the strands of her hair.
“You smell like…”
She had snuggled her face into her dad’s chest, muffling words that weren’t mine to hear.
I did recognized that the roles of parent and child had shifted.
Ontonio and I walked alongside Zuri as she
showed us the town’s center–
The cathedral
the gelateria she frequented for her pistachio gelato
her favorite cafe.
We did make plans for today, hugged goodnight, and went our separate ways.
The little girl’s voice is faint, like a whisper
but it had already made its imprint– it’s a new new day.
I stretch the night out of my bones
and shuddered with excitement as I
pondered the unknowns of the day.
“Dos cafe bombon, por favor,” I say in slow motion.
I am pleased with myself when my order is delivered to our table.
The white condensed milks sits below the black coffee, refusing to mix without a nudge.
I stir the black with the white,
the sweet and the bitter
and sip the delicious drink.
“What do you need?” Ontonio asks Zuri at lunch.
“Time” she responded.
I’m in awe of his question and her grown-up reply.
Once upon a time, her requests were simple,
tangible things money could buy, but now, she needs…
Time to study for final exams.
Time to say goodbye.
Time to soak up her last days in Spain.
Time, maybe, without us.
My heart understands but it breaks a little.
We agreed to meet for dinner at eight the following day, so she would have all the time she needs.
“Where are you?” She texted several hours before dinner.
We send her the address and minutes later,
I spot her strolling down the street, searching for us.
Ontonio and I shared a smile.
“I just want time with you,” she said as we spooned paella from the pan.
May you use your TIME to LOVE.
I LOVE CONNECTING WITH YOU
Have you told your loved ones you love them today? If not, It’s a good time to:-)
ON WRITING
I missed writing to you these past two weeks. Did you miss me?
WHAT I’M READING
I’m reading One Italian Summer by Pip Williams.
As someone who fancies the idea of moving abroad at some point in my life, I’m really liking this book about WWOOFing in Italy. Have you heard of WWOOF: World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms?
POEM OF THE WEEK
The poem I’m reading this week is A Laugh by Ripley Dunlap Saunders
Thanks again my dear friends for sharing the poems that are near and dear to your hearts.
Keep sending me your favorite poems and I will record them in the upcoming weeks.
ART BY ONTONIO
This piece is still on the easel, but I had to share:-)
If you’d like to buy one of Ontonio’s paintings but your limited on space or funds, check out his merch page on Ontonio.com
Ontonio is also a graphic and web designer who created this beautiful blog for me. If you or someone you know would like a logo or website designed, please check him out at www.Happylifemediagroup.com.
THANK YOU
I’m super thankful for all your support, encouraging comments, your expressions of gratitude, and your financial contributions.
PLEASE SUPPORT ME BY:
Until Next Time, Enjoy Your Next Breath
Kadine Christie
