Sitting On the Fence At Twilight

Sitting on the Fence at Twilight

When the sun waved good-bye in the afternoon,
I’d say hello to the smiling Man in the Moon. 
Perching on our gray concrete fence,
I’d swing my brown legs to a happy cadence.
From my solid fortress, I could see
a daily circus of human activity.

On a single bicycle rode the Fabros, a family of four;
how they all fit, it was a mystery to be sure.
The street vendor, old Papito, would hawk his treats;
oh! those warm, sticky, honey buns and tamarind sweets.

Sashaying in her tight-fitting skirt of tomato-red,
Cousin Clarita balanced a green basket on her turbaned head.
Then came buxom Aunt Alfreda huffing and puffing by,
to give me a piping hot, home-made, savory meat pie. 
I’d blow on it to cool it off first, just
before biting into the flaky, buttery crust. 
 
As day soon faded into hues of twilight,
I’d spy the occasional shiny satellite,
a tiny, silver snail slowly revolving in the sky,
moving so silently above, way up high.

For a child of seven, this was such a wondrous time…
right until the old town clock chimed nine.
Then Mama would ring her bell calling me inside,
and I’d leave the stars still twinkling outside.


04-24-2018


Contest:       An Early Childhood Memory
Sponsor:      Line Gauthier
Placement:   3rd
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Michaels Avatar
November 19, 2018 at 10:48 AM
Great imagery, Pandita - really captures the moment. "A tiny silver snail..." is such an interesting metaphor! Congrats on your win. Kind regards, John.
Sietesantos Avatar
January 17, 2020 at 3:03 PM
Hi John, I'm sorry for not seeing your wonderful compliments before and wish to thank you! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend! Hugs and love. Pandita
Borke Avatar
May 24, 2018 at 12:23 PM
Could feel like it had been me on that fence. Great writing.
Sietesantos Avatar
May 24, 2018 at 3:23 PM
Hannah, I am glad that this piece affected you in such a way that you felt like you were the one experiencing that moment in time! Thank you for your superlative compliment! Best regards. Pandita
Densham Avatar
May 22, 2018 at 10:19 AM
I KNEW I remembered your name! This was one of my favorites in the top ten. Thanks for your kind comments.
Sietesantos Avatar
May 22, 2018 at 11:03 AM
Awwww - you have certainly put some sunshine in a day that was puckered-up to be gray! Hope you are enjoying your day too! Hugs. Pandita
Densham Avatar
May 20, 2018 at 11:33 AM
What a picture. Art as much as poetry I think.
Sietesantos Avatar
May 21, 2018 at 11:27 AM
What a wonderful compliment, Brian! Thank you so much for visiting and leaving me your kind words that brighten my day! Hugs. Pandita
Wanter Avatar
May 20, 2018 at 10:48 AM
I'm right there in the picture! So picturesque with originality.
Sietesantos Avatar
May 20, 2018 at 11:03 AM
Hi Sunlite, thank you for stopping by, my friend, I really appreciate your kind complimentary words - thank you very much! Hugs. Pandita
Pandit Avatar
May 13, 2018 at 7:02 AM
I enjoyed this poem the first time I read it--thought it was special. Glad to see it climbing the best poem list, Pandita.
Sietesantos Avatar
May 13, 2018 at 8:54 PM
I am so delighted! Thank you so much dear Vijay. I always appreciate your wonderful encouragement and support! Hugs and best regards, my friend! Pandita
Breedt Avatar
May 10, 2018 at 1:46 AM
Hi Pandita ( lovely name). Some dreamy descriptions of childhood fantasy. Lovely write
Sietesantos Avatar
May 10, 2018 at 7:32 AM
Awwwww! Thank you dear Jannie, for complimenting my name and this piece! I really appreciate your visit and support! Hugs and best regards. Pandita
Lindley Avatar
May 8, 2018 at 7:13 AM
Brightened my morn reading this fine poem about such delightful and sweet childhood memories my friend. Your talent gives to others my friend... A fav...
Sietesantos Avatar
May 8, 2018 at 7:26 AM
My dearest Robert, it's always a great pleasure to hear from you!I hope you've been keeping well! Thank you for reading this piece and complimenting it! Thank you, my friend! Love and hugs. Pandita
Hamilton Avatar
May 6, 2018 at 9:09 AM
Wonderful nostalgic write Pandita, priceless memories thanks for sharing, and congrats on your win!
Sietesantos Avatar
May 6, 2018 at 9:13 AM
Hi John, I really appreciate your kind congratulatory words and compliments - thank you very much! Hugs and best wishes. Pandita
Dietrich Avatar
May 4, 2018 at 12:14 AM
Pandita, this is outstanding descriptive story telling of your childhood evening. FAVE
Sietesantos Avatar
May 4, 2018 at 1:17 PM
Andy, your compliments always brighten my day! Thank you so very much for the fave! Have a beautiful weekend, my friend! Hugs. Pandita
Riabi Dziri Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 11:11 AM
As sweet and captivating as childhood memories are! A talented poetess giving as the pleasure to share her sweet moments! Stay bright dear Pandita.
Sietesantos Avatar
April 29, 2018 at 11:23 AM
Awwwww! Thank you - thank you, dear Besma, for your sweet superlative, complimentary words that mean so much to me! Best regards and hugs. Pandita
Ashley Avatar
April 26, 2018 at 6:55 PM
My dear friend, Pandita, I was completely captivated by you and your beautiful childhood reverie. Your lovely poetic lines brought me with you, back in time to sit upon the concrete fence under the stars.. a magical write full of gorgeous imagery. I so enjoyed your winning poem, congratulations on your excellent win, my lovely friend.. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Sietesantos Avatar
April 28, 2018 at 4:31 PM
My sweet Susan, I am so delighted that you enjoyed this piece and that it was able to transport you along with me on this journey into a magical time in my early life! Thank you my dear friend! Hugs. Pandita
Roper Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 8:56 PM
Congratulations on your win, Pandita, wonderful poem ..Hugs Eve ~`*
Sietesantos Avatar
April 26, 2018 at 7:22 AM
Hi Eve, I really appreciate you kind congratulatory words and compliments - thank you very much! Hugs. Pandita
One Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 4:33 PM
What beautiful poem and so nostalgic... And I see congrats are in order..
Sietesantos Avatar
April 26, 2018 at 7:21 AM
Thank you - thank you, SO! I always appreciate your supportive words and compliments! Have a wonderful day, my friend! Hugs. Pandita
Gentry Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 2:43 PM
Congratulations on your win. Delightful!
Sietesantos Avatar
April 26, 2018 at 7:19 AM
Hi Susan, thank you my dear, I appreciate your kind words! Hugs. Pandita
Carmack Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 2:22 PM
Pandita - glad to have read this one and congrats.
Sietesantos Avatar
April 26, 2018 at 7:19 AM
Hi Rob, so happy to hear from you! Thank you so much for your kind congratulatory words! Hugs. Pandita
Gauthier Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 10:06 AM
Fabulous imagery. A fun poem, Pandita. Congrats on your well deserved bronze medal win.
Sietesantos Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 11:49 AM
Dear Line, thank you so very much for the honor! I am so delighted! Hugs and best wishes.
Messina Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 8:31 AM
Very well written Pandita, I enjoyed this wonderful poem. But for some reason, I am now hungry..hmmm..(lol) Hugs to you // Charlie
Sietesantos Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 9:05 AM
Awwww - thanks, Charles for your kind congratulatory words and compliments! Hehehehe - I know you would have enjoyed those meat pies and honey buns! Hugs to you too, my friend! Pandita
Pandit Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 6:14 AM
Delightful, pleasant read..sweet childhood memories, expertly captured in rhyming verses...excellent, as always, Pandita.
Sietesantos Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 8:24 AM
Thank you so much for your lovely compliments, dear Vijay! Hugs. Pandita
Onclaud Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 12:33 AM
wonderful detailing of a memorable time at 7, pandita! beautiful poem!..huggs
Sietesantos Avatar
April 25, 2018 at 8:57 AM
Hi Nette, thank you so much for visiting and leaving your sweet complimentary words! Hugs and best wishes. Pandita
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