Chronology of the Pleasures

About one month or two ago, at dusk,

on the walk we take almost every day,

when passing by a well-known bridge in my city,

I noticed, not without some sadness,

that there was a family living under it,

at a corner they had cleaned on the riverbank.

I was filed with sadness, for sure they were homeless,

or, at least, temporarily, having as roof

the lower part of that framework.

Yesterday, while walking with my wife, we perceived

that there was something different, a few more people,

in addition to the family we were used to seeing.

A couple of bonfires lit better the area,

they seemed to feel very comfortable,

laughing and happy, we even heard

something like a clink of glasses.

My wife was surprised and did not understand,

but, suddenly, I did, and told her:

there is no doubt, they are having guests today

and are having fun.

Then, we became aware that, really, it had been a while

since we enjoyed much of this same pleasure.

Published in Sky Island Journal, issue 21, summer 2022

Published in Fevers of the Mind, July 14, 2024

Published in The Galway Review, July 30 2025

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