Pilot light

A favorite Santa Marta memory
was waking to the vendor’s call
of “Agua–aquacates!”*
notes rising with the sun
and the scent of bread
from the bakery below.
The first to wake, I lit the flame
to boil the first water of the day,
shooed away the night bugs,
sipping café con azucar* while
I rewashed every plate and knife.
Every morning smelled slightly of sulfur.

~~~

More than a decade ago, we stayed near Rodadero beach outside Santa Marta Colombia for several weeks. My favorite part of traveling, more than the new sights and places, is establishing a daily routine in a foreign land.

*avocados
*coffee with sugar

Inspired by #GoDogGoCafe.

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