AN ODE TO ECUADOR
#travelshortsGolden eyes, straight noses and caramel skin.
Humid trails, snow-capped peaks and the trip begins.
Haut-de-formes, long braids and woven skirts.
Feet in the mud, hands in pockets and eyes alert.
Maria stands in her field like a chief with no crown.
Guardian of seeds, heiress of her chakra,
Choclo, cebollita, papa and mashua,
All in a fresh soup of homegrown quinoa.
Hearts tightening and lungs hissing.
Warm coca teas and black clouds rising.
The skies shift like my mood in winter,
Landscapes morph quickly at 4000 meters.
Muddy roads and the hum of birds.
Stray dogs roaming like a wild herd.
Wooden logs crack in the burning sand.
I find myself drawn to this distant land.
Apollons gather to chase the tide,
Playing volley as the sun starts to hide.
Volcanic gems emerge, I find a black stone.
‘Beware’, she says, ‘wear it only when your heart’s alone’.
Glassy water, an island in front.
Deep gazes gleaming in the sun.
I wish I could stay just a little longer.
Never two without three,
Ecuador, I shall return.
Ecuador travel log ︎︎︎