Mermaids and Crocodiles


Wordscape
Soundscape
Zocalo
Vibrant Trinity Square
The hub of Getsamani

Everyone passes by
A few inquisitive tourists
Travellers
Backpackers
But mainly locals

Men pushing empty dusty wheelbarrows
Mangy dogs hunting for scraps
Flopped out exhausted
The relentless heat

The smell of sizzling kebabs
Waiting to be devoured
Blessed by the dominating church

Children ecstatically shrieking
Trampolining
Silent bronze statues
Arms raised in protest
Witness life go by

Off key
 ‘La bamba
Bongos
Throbbing beats of the barrio
‘Oye como va’
People sway in unison
Nodding
Smiling
Relating

Old and young
Strong and weak
Lovers arm in arm
Above unyielding
The black starless sky

A hawker approaches
A single cigarette is sold
2,000 pesos
Mermaids and crocodiles
Imanes
Tails quivering
Waiting to be loved
By a fridge door

Three tall majestic palms
Swaying
The gentle breeze
Refreshes the tired body and soul

Thin or fat bodies
Slovenly
Barrigas
Who cares
Flesh is flesh
Dogs or humans

Gabo remembered
Calle de la Sierpe
Walled face observing people walking by
Literature at its best
His memorable words
His city

Viva Cartagena des Indias