The bodega as silent as a library ...

This bodega Anne said is as silent as a library - 

We sipped our Dorada Especials like dowagers - 

Three mute English couples ate octopus - 

I'd walked past La Tasquita that morning, on my way to The Blue House -

The bodega's doors were shut, but they'd seemed to promise louche entertainment - 

I'd imagined gulping bumpers of dangerous vino tinto, sinewy marineros playing julepe, fiery eyed girls dancing to the music of deep song - 

But there was none of that here, only the silent English - 

Why does everyone feel they have to be so quiet Anne said - 

We left as soon as we could - 

We shared a gigantic brandy in the Bodega de San Miguel - we watched a bravo gulp a barraquito - 

A waiter crumpled up a paper table cloth with one hand - 

Later, in the walled garden, I smoked a cigar Anna had bought me in Cuba - 

The smoke rose up in the darkness - 

Dogs barked amongst the labyrinths of prickly pears - 

22.30

Saturday 18 March 2015

San Miguel de Abona 

Tenerife