Smitten with Living
Living large, my friends
spread the wealth of their spirits
throughout their dwelling.
The white Andalusian walls of their home
arrayed with art both elegant
and primitive, flood color
into the very air of the flow;
fēng, Chinese for wind,
in this casa with a mountain breeze,
and shuî, Chinese for water
in this abode open to the lake.
In front of the studio, a mandarin tree
hangs its oblates as richly
as the traditional ornament balls
suspended from the ceiling of the bedroom.
After I pluck one of the oranges,
and gleefully lick
its sticky sweetness off my fingers,
I feel how the peels of the mandarin,
said to regulate the ch’i,
add to the energy dance
all through this pajarero palace.
Behind their gate, warm cardinal red,
my friends infuse their space with the fervor
of keen believers in beauty.
Three dogs and a lucky cat
share the pleasure palpable within.
Lions of stone guard an archway
and shamanic animals
hover in sculptures and in ether.
Whole-hearted men, smitten with living
have created a home
that holds its power.
from Susa with much affection for the brilliant birds, Rich & Ernie
Hello Susa. Yes Andalucia is a beautiful rich place, very special.
thanks Joyce. My friends described their home here in Ajijic as Andalusian, so I may have confused you as to location!
beautiful poem, chica
thank you Lila.
Reading this and seeing the photos brings a much-needed smile to my morning in the frozen & all-too-cloudy Wisconsin morning. Thank you, dear heart.
Kate, thinking of your smile in the Wisconsin morning makes me smile!