Home Again

Memories linger:

The smile of welcome
from a son
which means so much.

The garlanded streets
and ubiquitous Christmas trees.
lights twinkling in winter darkness

The festive stalls and jostling crowds
wrapped in hats and scarves
keeping the frosty air at bay.

The steaming vats of mulled wine,
Roasting chestnuts
And the smell of of wood smoke and pine needles
mixing with that of spices and goulash.

The cathedral domes and spires.
The ancient wooden doors
barring entrance to buildings
with history in every bullet pockmark.

The happy laughing young people
gathering in coffee bars.
The old people with silent stories to tell
of upheaval and suspicion.
The poor people busking and begging
to make ends meet.

The last coffee together,
A farewell kiss,
A final wave,
and we are gone.

The sadness of parting,
But
Memories linger.

By special request, my blip is of our new Hungarian Christmas tree decorations.