From Lynda’s Journal ~ Primavera –
From Lynda’s Journal
A Poem and Backstory
Photo: Cover of _Poetry Treasures 2: Anthology -Theme: Relationships
Poem: Primavera: When Spring Break is Over
Primavera: When Spring Break is Over
Caribbean mornings
earthy paradise drinks
dark island coffee with hot cream
tiny homegrown yellow plátanos
early sunrise breeze with honey rolls
rental cars spiral up the mountain
we view abandoned plantations
hacienda tourists in a group
I wear my new green hat for the photo
afternoon rum factory tours by boat
sandy beaches never closed
coconut drinks every day
coral reefs and rusty piers
sun burned skin
soothed with aloe vera lotion
we hike steep mountain paths
cross over bridges with wooden planks
immerse our bodies in mountain streams
scream with pleasures under torrid sun
moan under a throbbing cold waterfall
Caribbean nights under the stars
dancing in the streets with strangers
two mountain top dreamers in darkness
Tony sings Puerto Rica n songs to me
whispers phrases n my ear
(Always in Spanish.)
If a volcano erupts
there may be delays
flights are never on time
things are often unpredictable
when spring break is over.
Cuando las vacaciones de Primavera han terminado.
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Backstory:
Here is a tip for you:
The “I” in a poem is seldom the poet speaking.
“I” can even be a combination of several people, or voices, who are speaking throughout the poem.
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I wrote this poem from notes in my travel journals combined with my own personal memories.
I participated in a course taught by several colleagues at Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA, for many years.
Each professor taught a section of the course during the spring semester. During the semester of studies in Puerto Rican Culture, the class traveled to Puerto Rico over spring break. In addition, we conducted classes on-location at various locations in PR. Each professor taught lessons in their particular discipline for this course. I presented lectures on the art and artists of Puerto Rico. We visited museums and galleries where the students studied the actual artworks. This course was a popular one because of the travel & study opportunities for teachers and students.
In 2007, I lost most of my eyesight suddenly and without warning. I retired from teaching in 2008,
Nevertheless, I continued my annual trips to Puerto Rico for quite a few years with my husband, Bob.
Our final trip to Puerto Rico was the spring of 2013. Bob was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the spring of 2014.
He was no longer able to travel from that time on. During all the years that we were able to take students, Bob was one of our drivers on the trip. We both have so many good memories of those years with students and our love of Puerto Rico.
I dedicate this article to my husband, Charles Robert (BOB) Lambert
Photo: Bob & Lynda Lambert. On the beach in Puerto Rico.
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Newly Published:
Poetry Treasures 2: WordCrafter Poetry Anthology
Editors: Kaye Lynne Booth & Robbie Cheadle, 2022. Buy it HERE
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Publication History of this poem:
Primavera, poem (2015, 2018, 2022)
_Best Poets of 2015, Eber and Wein Publishing Co.
_Nature Writing, May 8, 2018
_Lambert, Lynda McKinney. Star Signs, 2019
_Lambert, Lynda. Songs for the Pilgrimage, DLD Books, 2021.
_The Avocet, print edition, Summer 2018
_Lambert, Lynda McKinney. Songs for the Pilgrimage, 2021.
_Poetry Treasures #2: Treasure Chest of Relationships (Anthology).
Editors Robbie Cheadle, Kaye Lynne Booth, April 2022.
Read MORE about this ANTHOLOGIE and more poems by Lynda Here
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Lynda’s April 2022 Newsletter – Read it NOW.
©Lynda McKinney Lambert, June 1, 2022. All rights reserved.
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