A little bit of everything in this world... not always at the right place, unfortunately. This brings to mind many similar moments and incongruous sights in today's world. Shocking, in a way. On a different subject, I'm also thinking of the hundreds of immigrants who die when crossing the Mediterranean in the hope of finding a better life in Europe. I cannot read about the lights of Tarifa without thinking of this sad reality. Very thought provoking.

Axilea

Great visual journey Gene! I felt like I was along for the climb and very excited to be welcomed by a shiny Coke machine!! Take care, and god bless you always!~Chessly

I hang my head in shame, Gene... I have only got-the-hell-out of Malaga in a break-neck drive from the airport to the coastal freeway, little stopping to take in its magic and ancient culture along the way. First stop, Tarifa!! Windsurfers' heaven! Yet the string of Moroccan lights I know and love - Tarifa is the closest point to those shores and sometimes from the beach there it is as if they are but a pleasant evening's stroll away. And those flippin ubiquitous Coke machines tucked into every damp corner of dripping Moorish walls - I pine for Spain this evening after reading your timely words... yes, Coke-cans an' all! This is the real thing, Genie xx

Excellent writing sweet Gene..your so amazing..I adore you...stay safe and well darlin...Hugsss
Love Always,
Chanti Lace xoxoxo

I like the journey, dreamily walking only to be jolted out by a big red machine.

captures the moment with some really vivid and definitive images ...

Wow! You put me there...I smelled the sea! Nicely done!

Anna

Gene this is so rich in descriptivs and mood, just wonderful. After the long climb I think your shiny friend was a welcome sight!

At least it wasn't McDonalds......Coke a sign of home not always welcome....maybe better than the water. i liked this. Morgan

The Med is your conveyance for a worldly review of a traveler's life. Sights, sounds and emotions all grounded by, a shiny Coke Machine. There is depth here that is easy to initially overlook. But from that great heart of yours the words and emotions meld as smoothly as creamery butter on warm, fresh baked bread. The Jersey shore and your vivid recall have produced another ruby. Love and peace to you my dear friend. Jon Michael

Excellent, Gene.

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

If fate had a sense of humor, this shiny Coke machine surely would be it!
You have written a charming and wonderful poem about the tide of life Gene.
Christine

Awesome write, Gene.
Namaste
Tony

Atmosphere finely wrought, Gene, you read the scene
with great sensitivity and awareness of history
and present moment...and not just bare history
but its value...and then the jolt of coke
anchors you and all of us in where we are today.
The writing, as always, so so fine.

John

"...my ears attuned to the lapping of the sea on the Spanish shore..." - so beautiful. I love how you take us on a distant, cultural journey and jolt us back to the modern, pervasive "global.ness" of "the real thing."

you really put me smack dab in the middle of scenic wonderscape. great stuff gene, such talent and always a pleasure to read.

Your verses had me "right there in the moment" within the scope of this experience, Gene. Very well done, friend. Love and peace to you,

Regis

And here I thought you meant Malaga up off of rt 40 & 47 in Cumberland(?) county, though it might be Gloucester county...not too many shiny coke machines around there, only a WaWa...e

Perfect. The old and ancient relics from the past, the wind which has whispered across the Mediterranean forever, and among all this, a Coke machine. Gotta love it. Or hate it. Whatever floats your cork.

Isn't it always nice to be reminded of home, when you are in a foreign land. Your poem makes me want to travel once again.
Lovely imagery and tranquil moments abound in this lovely poem, Gene!

Peace, love and light,
Amber