I am in a reminiscent mood
Thinking back to a time in my childhood
When I lived in Brazil
Seems like eons ago
It’s a warm, welcoming place
Especially for children
Full of joy and laughter
The music was intoxicating
The beauty stunning
Beyond words
Remembering  visiting friends
Whose houses were adorned
With birds of paradise flowers
Visiting the bird sanctuary
With my mother
Seeing every kind of parrot
In a rainbow of colors
Walking the beach in Rio
Ipanema Beach
Famous for its black and white mosaic tile
Sitting on the beach
Listening to the waves
While people flew their bird kites
Traveling around with my parents
Seeing the country
North and South
Struck with the humanity and beauty
Those memories never left me
They still haunt the inner recesses
Of my heart