postcards from paradise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the sun was falling a golden tangerine across the cobblestones

in the plaza of the Oratorio Church. 

 for the first time

i found myself in San Miguel de Allende for

San Antonio 

and the blessing of the animals.

i had an old vintage photograph in fading sepia tones,

a favorite book mark

since my teens,

marking time like a treasure map to

someday.

in it the priest flung holy water near and far on 

a crowd of families teaming with children holding their precious pets

in the courtyard of an ancient church.

the central figure was a young girl, her robozo slipping

down her shoulders

as her large cat struggled to free himself

from adoring arms.

 

january 17, 2012

i made my way across town as the sun licked every cobblestone

transforming sepia dreams 

to lime green, hot pink, madder orange,

ocher, and magenta.

reminding me

all you really have to do in ancient mexico

is show up.

the mystery and charm are always waiting.

on palm sunday i will take a small group of 

dreamseekers

to this very courtyard

where the cobblestones will be pungent with chamomile, strewn with

purple wildflowers

and young women to grandmothers will be

finger weaving palm crosses

as their mothers have for hundreds of years.

is there a postcard

tucked hope in a favorite book

waiting just for you

 

Comments

[Carol (artmusedog)]

Never tire of seeing the 'blessings' of animals ~ great haiku and thanks for hosting this PCFP ^_^

[Sue Fox]

Please take me with you in your heart!

Sue x

[gemma]

Oh so precious. How awesome that you are going again soon rebecca. Much love and happy trails to you and fellow travelers.
My heart soars for you.

[Irene]

There is so much love in the faces of these children the animals with whom they share their lives. It brings to mind that all beings inhabit the world together, we share the same sky, the same earth, the same waters. I love your wording, "the mystery and charm are always waiting." Sending you hugs from Southern California where the sun shines today and the soft breezes brings to mind memories of another time.

[Lea]

I will be thinking of you and this special group of dreamseekers... weaving your joy and discovery into the fabric of our world, touching us all while you sojourn together...

[Laurie Zuckerman]

You have cheered me up, Rebecca. Love the turtle and the ducks. So much joy in everyone's faces. Can't wait for my own turtles to surface from our frozen over pond.

[Fran aka Redondowriter]

I just love the blessing of the animals but seeing the same ritual that I love in Mexico is so meaningful. All of their beautiful faces--all the people with their pets--brings a smile to my face. When my kids were growing up we stayed in Baja Mexico a lot--sometimes camping, sometimes in a hotel. My sons surfed and we road dirt bikes in inland desert areas. As soon as we got to a campground or motel, the boys would adopt one of the stray dogs which were everywhere. Mangy as they were, they quickly became part of the family. It was always hard to leave them behind. How I wish I were able to be with you there during Holy Week. Maybe next year.

[rochambeau]

Your photographs of San Antonio's blessing for the animals is fantastic, Rebecca!!! The third photo of the boy with the cat? That cat looks very much like my mom's Coco!! It's nice that you had a book marker that led you to your destination and now you will bring others to your precious Mexico and let them see through your eyes!! How fantastic!!

xox
Constance

[leslie]

i love the faces of love and friendship and connection, here... the warmth and color. and i love that you have plans to visit again, this place that you love so well.

[peggy gatto]

I adore, really adore these special photos!!!!!!!!!!
I wish our church would do this special occasion!!!!!!!

[N2]

Beautiful pictures. Love that you are able to go back so soon. x0 N2