Remembering Madrid #2 - Ian Lilburne

The small hostel on the Calle de Attocha
In the old part of town
Up the hill from the station
A tiny room with twin beds
Looking over the noisy street

Breakfasts alone before sunrise
In small cafes just off the avenue
My morning ritual
Journal
Black coffee
The summer sunshine banished
By disrupted time

Three days wandering
Medieval alleyways in the Cortes district
And visiting the great galleries

Two nights in tapas bars
And lively cafes
Listening to live world music

One evening walking
The full length of the Gran Via
Its white flood-lit apartments and embassies
Rising majestically above the manic traffic

But mainly my perfect companion
The gentle woman with the soothing voice
And magnificent red hat
Who knows me well enough to keep her distance