Kali Kardia

After being on the island for three weeks we finally drove north to Tholaria 

for a lunch visit to our favourite place, Kali Kardia.

The curious pause outside

but only those who enter and stay

will breathe in the past

postcards, nescafe, batteries and cookies

light bulbs, sponges and fairy dish detergent.

Kiria Plito curls her body over a potato peeler,

 molds herbs into kefthedes

and rinses horta in gnarly hands

with a welcome smile that clings to two teeth.

Dust covered tavli games beg for players

while mirrors capture moments in history,

painted gourds and aging instruments.

.

Before super markets

this is where villagers visited

for groceries and gossip.