pool
the cement around the pool
is steaming in the heat
of the early evening sun
a baby in pink plastic goggles
laughs over and over
belly laughs
as daddy tosses her in the air and catches her
a seagull calls overhead
and like a bustling housewife
she doesn’t have time to play
looking for a fish or crust of bread
for dinner
happy muted conversation
comes from a couple
sitting, huddled at a nearby table
her hair and eyelashes still dripping water
the tip of her nose red and shiny with sunburn
I can tell whatever they’re talking about is meant to be secret
wet, bare feet
clap clap clapping
on turquoise tiles
moist palm tree shade
interrupted by dappled light
from English ivy growing
like weeds up the base of the trees
like some fairytale beanstalk
reaching for the giant’s kingdom
the heady scent of jasmine, soil, and chlorine
mixed with french fry grease
reminding me of a carnival
seals are barking in the marina
just beyond the pool
sailboats lazing by
but from where I sit
I only see the tops.
~Melissa Placzek 2011
you are so amazing. seriously. <3
oh my. really? I feel like I’m really putting myself out there posting these. Thanks for the compliment!
Leisa, I *LOVE* this! The mix of fact-statements with the allusion to fairy tail beanstalks… it’s the perfect way to describe a scene, a memory, the feelings. You capture it! I wasn’t there, but I know you’ve captured it. You have brought your Six Senses Saturdays into your poetry, and it’s all-encompassing and complete. Keep sharing your poetic heart. It makes me happy!!!! XOXO
awe! thanks! that means so much to me. XO
Thanks for bringing me to the pool with you! The only thing that could have made that better is if I had the ability to read with my eyes closed….any chance of putting that on tape for me? 😉
sure! 🙂