Valparaiso, Chile

I stand atop Casa Galos’ rooftop terrace, seeking the moon which appears in Chicago, Paris, and Vienna. Cities that progressed with time. Here I see only bright orbs. Street lights that blanket the cerros – hills holding once architectural gems beside corrugated metal homes. Erosion defied by vibrant street art.

Twentieth century’s magnificent achievement, the Panama Canal, thief of Valparaiso’s livelihood. And this past month, deserted by the cruiseship industry, as if a pickpocket stole her last coin. A missing moon tonight, and I wonder if it will ever reappear to illuminate this city’s spirit again.

blood moon phenomenon
shrunk to crescent sliver shard –
will you wax again?

22 thoughts on “Valparaiso, Chile

  1. Misky January 8, 2018 / 9:23 am

    We’re both in South America at the moment! I’m in Bogotá.

    Like

  2. Victoria C. Slotto January 8, 2018 / 2:35 pm

    Sad to see when progress has such an effect on a city. Chile goes through a lot with her frequent and significant earthquakes. I love how the haiku reflects the state of things so well. Enjoy your travels.

    Like

  3. Björn Rudberg (brudberg) January 8, 2018 / 3:09 pm

    I so wish that a they could prosper with a moonlight that remain, it seems that they have lost it all.

    Like

  4. kim881 January 8, 2018 / 3:10 pm

    I love your travel haibun, Lill, as they take me to places I will never go. I like to think that I can see the moon in a similar way to people the world over – just at different times! Your haiku is gorgeous!

    Like

  5. kanzensakura January 8, 2018 / 3:34 pm

    Gorgeous haiku – wistful. I am enjoying your trips via FB as well. You stay safe!

    Like

  6. Frank Hubeny January 8, 2018 / 3:38 pm

    I hadn’t thought of the Panama Canal doing damage to other ports, but I can see that it must have.

    Like

  7. Jane Dougherty January 8, 2018 / 4:06 pm

    Love the haiku, and the portrait of an exotic, moonless town.

    Like

  8. wolfsrosebud January 8, 2018 / 4:39 pm

    lets hope it does… isn’t it cool to have a different viewpoint to write from as you travel.

    Like

  9. Grace January 8, 2018 / 5:40 pm

    Hope you can see the full moon from where you are Lillian ~ Safe travels ~

    Like

  10. whimsygizmo January 8, 2018 / 6:01 pm

    Lil, the words in your haiku are chosen so carefully, and sharpened to perfection.

    Like

  11. Adda January 8, 2018 / 7:35 pm

    Spectacular!

    Like

  12. Vivian Zems January 8, 2018 / 8:08 pm

    Lovely description of Chile. May the moon bathe the city with her glow once again.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. rothpoetry January 8, 2018 / 10:19 pm

    It is amazing that the moon can be seen by people in all parts of the world. Every city! Great post.
    Dwight

    Like

  14. sarahsouthwest January 9, 2018 / 1:54 am

    I love that haiku, and that progression – crescent, sliver, shard – like the phases of the moon.

    Like

  15. maria January 9, 2018 / 2:37 am

    Aww, may the moon cast its glow onto the city once again. 🙂

    Like

  16. Singledust January 9, 2018 / 7:10 am

    “hills holding once architectural gems beside corrugated metal homes”. I loved this one Lilian, very melancholic.

    Like

  17. annell4 January 9, 2018 / 9:48 am

    One thing that blooms there, the street art.

    Like

  18. rothpoetry January 9, 2018 / 10:17 am

    Nothing is much more spectacular than a rising moon!
    Dwight

    Like

  19. purplepeninportland January 9, 2018 / 1:08 pm

    Street art moons, no matter how brilliantly drawn, cannot replace a moon. Lovely, Lillian.

    Like

Leave a comment