The gardens were almost deserted on the day of our visit

Which surprised us both

As the day was raw

Yet the gardens were cooler

 

Fountains and canals were everywhere

And were full of fish

Of many colours

There was a magic in the air

 

The climb to the summit of the gardens

Was a steep adventure

Best undertaken in stages

As even the shorter breezes were hot

 

On our journey upwards

Only the crickets were our constant companions

Loyal but unseen

Who shared their slow summer jazz

 

We then met the shy lovers of the higher levels

Some were hidden in the shade of the close trees

Whilst others were stretched out on the damp grass

Languid in the white sunlight

 

They ignored our passing

Sharing their intimacy only with each other

And no other creatures

We respected the mysteries of their day

 

At the summit we found a tower

Sturdy yet crumbled with time

It offered a panorama of the city

Which we politely refused

 

For our day was quite spent

And we had already planned our descent

Towards the planned avenues of the city

And the handsome station of the cross

 

 

La Jardin de la Fontaine 

Nimes France 

July 2nd 2019