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