down time

Solomon and Eliana are big fans of the term "down time."  Usually the term references their desire to watch a movie and relax, but today it serves as a perfect metaphor for our June foray to Mexico.  It was down time in the very best sense of the word.  Down time in the sea.  Down time eating meals together and playing Solomon's invented game, "Blow that Dough."  Down time using our Spanish and making new friends.  Down time eating tacos, sipping tequila, jumping in the pool.  Down time.  Down time all the way.

From my journal, June 13th:

Children and pools and a marine layer make

for a fantastic start to a Monday, a body

slowed by sun and sand,

the thrilling realization that all I must do

is right here -- this book and pen, these kids and their shouts,

this sea and her waves,

this is all and I sigh with gratitude because 

this is absolutely everything.

During the big storm, mangoes fly from trees,

litter the street like migrating crabs,

like post-party detritus, like golden orbs

open for business, homes to colonies of bees,

to our barefeet and beggar hands.

We scoop them from potholes and cobblestones,

peel back their thin skins and 

suck them dry; mangoes gathered in 

buckets and bins, mangoes beneath

fallen street lamps, mangos caught

in palm fronds.  Long and languid, the trees

are still heavy, luxurious and immediate.

Mamas gather mangoes for

their babies while chickens peck

mango through sticky pulp.  

From the window, I watch

the old donkey slip mangoes from the crate,

mango juice drips down his smile,

he bends for another.

Hermit crabs scuttle across the sand

if you watch a bit, you'll see, they're everywhere,

always moving, fast then slow, reminding us 

that nothing is as it seems.

Colors of sand and stone, burnt seaweed 

white bits of fishbone, the children build them

a school.  The ones who don't stay seated

go to detention in the principal's office,

a long, sandy trench.  For hours they chase them back,

reprimand them, gather more, little pinchers and

long feelers, so sneaky and restless.