Summer Holidays

I remember the warmth on your skin

And the skimpy clothes we wore, 

because it was sOoooo hot.

The beads of sweat 

caught in the down above your mouth

The slight salty taste on your lips

The amazing dancing dog on Calle Jarama

The creaking beds at Casa Esperanza

That we went back to, year after year.

Carrying the shopping from Supersol in the heat,

And oh, the cakes!



I loved the gaucho for his feet up on a stool 

Smoking his cigarettes 

I loved him for his taste in rootsy music 

And the tenderness of his steaks

The little bowl of sweets and nuts

the girl would bring with every ice cold Mahou

I was always a little bit sad 

after the Argentinian died 

and they sold out his restaurant by the surf

and turned it into something far inferior

I said "If I wanted to cook my own food
 
I’d have bought my own hot stone”

Every year we went back 

Another favourite haunt disappeared



Remember when I used to take selfies of us

All over the city?

Remember when I used to swim

Terrified something nameless 

was going to grab me under the water

Afterwards we always bought ice cream 

from the same shop

Peanut butter was my favourite, yours Nutella

And we’d see if we could eat more of it 

Than had melted away down the side of the cone?



I envy you if you have forgotten all these things

Which welded my heart to yours 

Way back when. 

The sun was so hot 

it must have softened all the solder between us

_Note:

_{This post reflects a personal chapter in my life, written with care and reflection. The words and images shared are part of my own experience and perspective. They are not intended to criticise or cause harm to anyone involved. Where others are mentioned or appear, this is done with respect. If anyone featured has concerns, I am open to editing the content upon request.}

© Adrian Wilson 2025

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