Sunday, May 22, 2011

Salsa and Chips for $1.75

I had never eaten there before.
It was the time of the afternoon
When I habitually fear I will die
          without having mattered.
It was at the moment when
The crunchy salt and the mango and pineapple
          met on my tongue
That I noticed the brilliant blue textures
Of the hand-painted walls
And really heard Lynyrd Skynyrd pumping from
          the speakers on the ceiling,
And remembered that I love long skirts like
          the purple gauzy one in the
          shop window across the
          Arizona sun-baked plaza.


© Judith C Evans 2008

[Written just after a period of homelessness while I lived in Flagstaff, Arizona.]

Submitted to Poetry Pantry #50 at Poets United.

13 comments:

Marian said...

why do moments like those always have soundtracks like lynyrd skynyrd? (and is that really how you spell that?)

Anonymous said...

This is just so much in the moment and real. You capture your feelings and the place completely.

Judith C Evans said...

Maybe music like Lynyrd Skynyrd (yep, that's how it's spelled)changes the atmosphere. It was just one of those vivid moments. Thank you both for visiting and commenting!

Liz Rice-Sosne said...

Judith ... thank you for your kind words upon my post. You have a very beautiful soul. Not only does it show in your comments to others and your commentary on your blog ... but in your poetry. The piece above has an unbelievable sensitivity and shows the breadth and width of your lovely mind. It is very engaging and very beautifully written. I shall look forward to following you.

Mary said...

A vivid well-described memory, Judith; and, by the way, I began to follow your blog!

Judith C Evans said...

Thank you, Liz and Mary. Your generous comments mean so much.

Margie said...

Judith, thank you for sharing this poem about that time in your life!
wonderfully expressed!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful poem Judith and shows so much in terms of your everyday life while you were in AZ. I am very proud of you and all you have accomplished. You must keep writing and share with the world your literary experiences of your life. It is too valuable. LYS!

Judith C Evans said...

Thank you, John and Margie. One of the things I like best about writing poetry is the ability to share a moment in time. Have a blessed day!

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Amazing. Great post. Brought back memories of my own of seeing Calla Lilies in a Mexican Restaurant in Tucson when I really needed the reminder: Do not worry or be anxious...Consider the lilies of the field...

Very glad things are better for you now.

Judith C Evans said...

Thanks Cecilia! This is actually a happy memory for me -- reminds me to always be hopeful. Blessings to you :)

Anonymous said...

yummy,
well delivered treat.
:)

Judith C Evans said...

Thanks, Jingle! Yummy is right...wish I had the recipe for that mango pineapple salsa! :)