1 Poem by Edilson Afonso Ferreira

Chronology of the Pleasures

About one month or two ago, on walking
as we are accustomed to almost every day,
my wife and I, at dusk,
when passing by a well-known bridge,
we noticed, not without some sorrow,
that there was a family living under it.
At a corner they had cleaned on the riverbank,
they were living their day-to-day life.
We were filed with sadness, certainly
they were homeless, or at least, temporarily,
having as a roof that lower part of the bridge.
Yesterday, again walking, 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, 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, since a while,
we have not enjoyed much the same that pleasure.

(Published in Sky Island Journal, May 16 2022)


Bionote

Edilson Afonso Ferreira, 81, is a Brazilian poet who writes in English rather than Portuguese. Has launched two Poetry Books, “Lonely Sailor” and “Joie de Vivre”; has about 360 different publications in selected international Literary Journals. He began writing at the age of 67, after he retired from a bank, and is a Pushcart Prize nominee. He is always updating his works at his personal blog www.edilsonmeloferreira.com.