Nostalgic vision (in my dreams)

Nostalgic vision (in my dreams)

Memories brought me again to the place that I have once beloved.

Proudly situated on the seven hills^[1], the city of Lisbon ---

Imperial past and the ocean’s presence,

The humming of the waves.

I can see myself walking through the streets of Alfama ^[2],

I can hear the music of piercing nostalgia ---

Amalia Rodrigues^[3], the queen of fado^[4] and the longing in her voice...

The pain of parting, disappointment and the romantic loss.

Narrow, winding alleys climb up high,

Portuguese matronas dressed in black,

they intently observe each passing person.

Life in slow motion, I’m drinking my galão^[5]...

Stuffy air, the aroma of vino tinto and porto,

the smoke, the laughter.

The night has come, the city is ablaze with lights

The dream has to end...

COPYRIGHT by Julia E. Wahl 2001

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^[1] The seven hills of Lisbon: Castelo, Graça, Monte, Penha de França, S. Pedro de Alcântara, Santa Catarina , Estrela

^[2] One of Lisbon’s districts; dated to sometime in 1100 (the name comes from Arabic Al-hamma), it's crowned by the old castle São Jorge

^[3] the singer-songwriter who powerfully personified her country's beautiful Fado music

^[4] Fado music (fate, or destiny) - Fado began as a howl out of the dives and houses of ill repute along the Lisbon waterfront. The lyrics dwell on themes of longing, sadness and fatalism, to a wistful accompaniment made up of guitars and woodwinds. Melodically, Fado draws on Arabic, African and Iberian influences. The Cape Verdean Morna style made famous by Cesaria Evora is a close cousin.

^[5] Coffee (with hot milk) served in tall glasses with a long coffee spoon