in the mid-day hush
unmeasured steps sound sharp
against the old stone walls
down wall-to-wall streets
empty
quieted
with the afternoon’s retreat
such solace here
in the daily lull
in the whispering breeze
in the shutters closed
and the silence within
haunting the village
while most in repose
knocks and creaks
sole company sought
midst aromas entwined
with unquiet thoughts
smoky
savory
sweet
give comfort when the mind is weak
none but a pensive cat upon a wall
will fix its eyes upon the passing
until a corner turned
intruders in this still life
begin fading
Dog-eared Stories by anne celano frohna 