Duane’s PoeTree: Mark Tulin writes De La Vina Street

Duane’s PoeTree: Mark Tulin writes
— duanespoetree.blogspot.com/2020/04/mark-tulin-writes_83.html

De La Vina Street by Mark Tulin

I like walking in a straight line
or a zigzag
across De La Vina Street,
past parks with bright flowers,
and circle the large oaks
and eucalyptus trees.

I enjoy its wide avenue
with swaying palms,
a warming sun, a mandolin playing,
and the scent of lavender
wafting in the ocean breeze.

I like to hear bluebirds chirping,
see the sparrows splashing
in a marble birdbath,
and watch the gulls soar in single file
like jet fighters overhead.

I like to walk mindfully,
noticing my breath,
the length of my step,
and how my hip feels
with each rotation.

Whether I see the swirling colors
up in the sky
or the mountains covered in a marine layer,
I feel connected

To the street, I love the most,
past Spanish-style homes,
creameries with shakes and splits,
taquerias with bean burritos,
silver-coated Labradors on studded leashes
and purring cats on windowsills.