Clovis Community College Art Exhibitions: April 2023: Patricia Rain Gianneschi

CARMONA 

Rose colored light scorched by the summer sun of southern Spain 
The wilted sunflowers in the fields now brown and weathered from the dry heat 
Their seeds are brown with withered petals, no golden flowers to inspire us 
Leaving us wishing we had been here a month ago when fields were green 
Rains did fall upon this dry brown earth, and brought forth the fruits of the fields 
Life is slower here, revolving like the earth, around the sun 
When she shines her bold screaming yellow face down upon us 
We seek the shelter in the shade, anywhere we can find it 
Early to rise before she begins her scorching heat  
Like busy ants the people scurry to the markets, greet their neighbors 
Make their way on foot around the ancient city 
When the sun is highest, hottest, the windows are shuddered, the siesta begins 
A big meal midday, and then a restful nap, until the light begins to lessen 
Life resumes again and stores re open around the hours of 6 or 7 
But no one here eats as we do, at 8 pm sharp we march like lemmings to the food 
Relieved and rested, we seek water and wine, fish and fowl, pig and cow 
Olives, and fruits abundant and fresh 
We eat and chatter, and share our thoughts as the night falls upon this jewel with its massive stone gate guarding the citizens 
7000 Years mankind has settled here in the golden hills of Carmona  
Our dinner has just begun 
We wander the  streets along white washed buildings  
Shining brightly in the Spanish summer sun,  
Reflecting the heat away from the city streets 
Painted white in Moorish times to alleviate the scorching summer heat 
Small narrow streets, shaded by buildings close together  
Keeping the citizens cool as they find their way around the ancient city 
We stand before the Grand Gate of Carmona, once a fortress  
Strong and foreboding the majestic gate  
It kept the marauders from entering within the city walls 
In this ancient city there are three palaces, each a treasure of architecture 
Purple and orange, white and gold 
Red with the color of the earth’s clay  
Here in the dry southern landscape of Southern Spain  

Lady in Red Beret by Patricia Rain Gianneschi

Carmona by Patricia Rain Bianneschi

Feel the Heat! Carmona!! by Patricia Rain Bianneschi