Summertime Nostalgia
As the summer months come to a close, nostalgic memories of summers past come to mind. If I had to pick a season, it’d be summertime. Born in mid May, I love the days filled with bright sunlight, sleepy afternoons, and warm evening walks. So indulge me as I recollect a few sweet memories of summer days spent in far away places.
Long before mask mandates, and restricted travel I think of my summer spent wandering the streets of Paris.
The romantic city swept me up and cradled me in.
Of course the luscious gardens, and extravagant sights left me in awe, but it was the normalcy of life in Paris that drew me in.
It was the quaint street eateries, the fresh blooms on the sidewalk, the old man selling vintage postcards
It was the couples enjoying a picnic on a Tuesday afternoon, people basking in the sun at the park without looking down at their phones
It was the shop windows, the fresh fruit stands, the glamour amongst the ordinary that drew me in.
So much has changed, yet so much remains the same.
For the spirit of Paris lies within the sensual way it welcomes you in and little by little, then all once makes you fall completely in love.
My most Parisian memory is crossing the Seine river near Notre Dame and right across the bridge a trio was playing “A girl from Ipanema” in the most beautiful accents I’d ever heard. I think its hard to remember Paris and not feel a bit melancholy .
The Mediterranean sea
I dream of the seaside in the Mediterranean. Her glassy reflection and tranquil coo lure me to her baby blue. Inhaling her seaside do, exhaling her precious view. As none are quite the same, as her glamourous cascades and nighttime masquerades. As none are quite as grand, as her sunlight sands, and her dolce vita caravans. Making their way, to bask in her calm waters and float among the abyss of colors. One day I shall return to swim in her waters, to lounge on her shores, to sip to her pure beauty.
A dopo amor, A dopo
They say that Rome comes alive in the summer- and its true. But Rome in the summer evening is its own festivale.
I recall a weekend spent in Rome with friends. I visited the ancient city twice before, but there’s something magical about the way it lights up in the warm summer months. Locals wait until 10pm to head to dinner. Once the sunsets, the streets are filled with such energy, chatter, and excitement of reunion. The undercurrent of this city runs on the old Italian saying “Dolce far niente”. Admire life and enjoy in its pure simplicity.
For Rome teaches us what life is for;
To enjoy real food,
To drink good wine,
To honestly laugh, cry and spread joy.
To explore, to discover
To get lost, to find your way back
To remember the past, but to live so fully in the present.
For Rome teaches us to admire time, not be ran by it
To cherish life’s pleasure and celebrate its vivid mortality.
To Rome: For there are none quite like you.
As I close my eyes, these memories flutter in and out like butterflies migrating home for the season. Nostalgia is an interesting feeling as we can’t relive the past, but can cherish the stories and recollections they bring. What summertime memories come to mind for you? I’d love to hear your own shared below whether they are in the form of poem, short story, or just a few words.
To next summer my friends,
xoxo
