September 24 - Farewell Perikles, dancing myth of Molyvos

As a naughty Karagiozis

he danced around customers

his wrinkled face

always in a fat grin

A meatball here, a tasty fish there

juggling with full plates

sometimes a bow, sometimes a greet

never a complaint crossing his lips

Languorous evenings full with traditional sounds

colorful puppets endless gossiping

about the Greek world

with a laugh and a tear

Then his laughing eyes

would light up with pleasure

just like when fingers bowed

the smooth strings of a bouzouki

And when the summer evening progressed

empty bottles starting to make music

feet floated off the floor

father, daughter, father, son

Dearly celebrating Greek life

nights full of swirling people

and he, in the middle of the dance floor

of his restaurant full of flowers

Sometimes waving with his rifle

towards tables full of clients

a sudden shot in the blue air

and gone were the fish-eating wasps

His rich life going towards twilight

in his little old white car

embracing the sunset

to fish in Eftalou

To the gardens or the sea

Georgina always at his side

driving and enjoying

the empty winter evenings

O, Perikles, dancing myth of Molyvos

sleep took your voice

music, dance and life

far beyond the evening red

In heaven you can angle

as long as you want

while we here

will miss you so much

(with thanks to Mary Staples)

© Smitaki 2017