As Swallows Play

Narrow streets like cobbled stone streams
wind their way to interlaced destinations,
on each side tall rustic abodes shadow,
as washing hung in colourful schemes
crisscrossed above on pulley ropes
in a flapping chatty breeze,
where those in centuries-old lives,
abide.
Like flags hung, sheets and towels
pegged yet free atop the upper windows,
mark life like brief encounters,
as steps below, having worn their place in time
are redeemed from reticent change,
as old faces weathered in time’s affray
sit at open windows watching the arc of the day
draw lines with light and shade.
Flower boxes break the cold stone fascias,
vibrant reds and yellow blooms
like wildflowers on a grassy knoll
assume their place in wooden boxes,
to grace the sound of an ancient being,
as it re-enacts the paths of those before them,
content in a simple existence,
no dream unfulfilled.
Open windows reveal
rugs are beaten for a dust release,
gnarled hands holding cigarettes
whiling away the time,
as the glorious smell of cooking wafts
like redolent dreams of gastronomic delights,
and baking bread inspires all that is homely,
filled with goodness.
Courtyards appear like oases,
where groups gather in boisterous conversation,
as opinions fly like eagles,
aims flail in an exuberant fire,
tales told a hundred times before,
and their faces revel, their expressions joyful
as simple lives ride the waves of time’s count,
age just another reason for being.
Simplicity like diaphanous cloud,
embellishes each and every day
and as the gloaming hues descend,
swallows play in circles swoops and dives,
gleaning an evening snack or two
as night lights appear over bridges
that span the Arno River, in Florence.
Tony DeLorger’s Books for Review and Purchase
- Brutal Night - March 30, 2021
- Like a Breeze Recalls - March 27, 2021
- Torrents - September 5, 2020







Tony, your vivid imagery makes me wish I could visit Florence. In fact, I feel like you just took me on a stroll through the area. So nice it would be to be among such pleasant people in that lovely area. Well done, my friend. Take care.
It is one of my favourite places in the world and it will be long remembered. Glad you enjoyed the sojourn. Take care.
What a journey! And Florence as well. The two places I have always wanted to visit have been Florence and beaches on the Mediterranean. Great imagery. Truly took me to the location and filled me with awe. Jamie
Pleased you enjoyed it, Jamie. Florence, like Venice, is such an old city and stories bleed from every stone and pathway. Hope you get there one day, you’ll love it!