Four Cafes

A long-ago January, my love and I spent a month in France. We rented a quaint
apartment up a hill from the road near a lake. The view from the window included lovely mountain flowers and grass down a path to four bar cafes, alongside each other, with outside tables. The apartment window captivated me. I could watch the people, hear their laughter and indistinct voices. All four cafes were quite busy, especially at night, which surprised me, as there is only one small village to support them. I would pour a glass of Cabernet, sit back and watch while my love was busy writing. The scene was enchanting, as if lifted from a painting. The lights from the outside dining made reflections in the glass of the pastel doors and windows.  The waiters would go in and out, carrying large trays, while the patrons would walk back and forth between cafes. Sometimes there would be a shout followed by laughter It was a happy scene I'll never forget.

The prose above is entirely fictional.

March 4, 2023
for "Four Cafes" Prose Contest
by Julia Ward
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Anaya Avatar
March 16, 2023 at 10:46 AM
I also believed it to be non-fiction. "The scene was enchanting, as if lifted from a painting" really like that line! It felt cinematic and all in 169 words. I also attempted the contest, I enjoyed your attempt~Anaya
Griffin Avatar
March 6, 2023 at 7:21 PM
What a lovely image you have painted with your words. After a chaotic Monday at the office, just the escape I needed. Evocative, relaxing, romantic. Think I'll pour a glass of Cabernet and read it again...and again...and again.
Peck Avatar
March 7, 2023 at 9:29 AM
Ah, Jacki, you're so sweet. Thanks. :)
Kauffman Avatar
March 4, 2023 at 8:42 PM
Ann, what a happy memory you have given life to again in your memories "as if lifted from a painting." Wonderful analogy. Your put me right into the middle of your poem. A beautiful scene. Best wishes for the contest. Blessings!
Peck Avatar
March 5, 2023 at 10:51 AM
Thank you, Sam. I wish it was from a memory, but it's only from my imagination. :)
Villalon Avatar
March 4, 2023 at 4:03 PM
You and your love are a portrait of a written love story -- so sweet! Oh... great imagination Miss Ann! Thank you for your recent visit.
Peck Avatar
March 5, 2023 at 2:45 PM
Thank you, Clifford, for your sweet comments. :)
Peck Avatar
March 5, 2023 at 2:44 PM
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