On Sunday Afternoons
Where mountains loom,
and trees turn yellow,
a pair of bare-armed girls bump on a bicycle,
two boys ignite firecrackers in the alley,
but sets of boats lie idle.
A window still hangs open to catch late breezes,
while another holds dried pepper.
In an old courtyard, a fifteenth-century fresco presides over an evening meal,
groups of excursionists wait for a steamer to ferry them home,
before mist accumulates.
Here, wandering these paths alone, I long for you.
A version of this photo essay was first published at Numéro Cinq Magazine with the title: Postcards from Italy: Lake Como (September 26, 2011)
Postcards from Italy---Natalia Sarkissian 
Such Vibrant colors. Your compositions are so compelling. I look forward to these photo essays. Thanks Natasha
Thanks beebee, I’m so glad you like the photo essays, I always have fun doing them.
How lovely and romantic–all those pinks and reds! We spent a few days near Lake Como in September, 2006, and remember the same end-of-the-season feeling. It was rainy and coolish but the scenery still gorgeous and dreamy as in your photos. Thanks for this, Natasha!
Lake Como is romantic–even in the foggy winter with the grey and white and black! Think of Beethoven’s more somber work….
Wow this is stunning! Thanks for sharing ns,
Thanks for stopping by, Crystal!
cara nat, che bellezza, sei brava e sono così orgogliosa di essere tua amica!!
love
bet
Grazie mille, Betta!
Beautiful.
MB
Thanks, MB!
Loverly–been there once and was entranced. But where’s George are you keeping him your own little secret!
Frances, thanks. George? Who’s George?
Clooney., Geo Clooney :))
by the way, do you think the dining niche with the Crucifixion fresco was once a monk’s cell?
It was definitely part of a monastery at one time. Now it’s in this lovely courtyard, part of a B&B, and was recently discovered when the owners renovated. It had been “hiding” behind some intonaco (a not unusual occurrence, as you know, over here).
Of course! George! He’s over on the other side of the lake near Como. These shots are all taken near Lecco.
BTW, the b&b, for those of you who wanted to know, is Mamma Ciccia in Mandello.
Yet another fabulous post! I love your photography and your unique ways of doing a post in poetry. Beautiful! Write more!!!!
Thanks, so much!
Another beautiful postcard, Natasha.
Gorgeous photographs, spectacular place. I just want to climb into my computer screen and be there. (Is there an app for that?)
Like! Like! Thanks Steve.
The light is magical Natashia. I’ve been thinking about your lovely vignettes all day. I’m pulled to Como.
I’m glad, Wendy! It’s a beautiful place…thanks for your comment.
Lovely. I’m dreaming if Italy these days, tentatively planning a trip (my first) for next year. Thanks for these glimpses into pockets of the country.
Jenna, hope you make it over! There are so many wonders to see…you’ve got a lot to choose from and your work cut out for you!
Natasha – As usual, your beautiful work is inspirational. My “Italy Vibe” is going crazy!
Great postcard,
Joby
Thanks Joby. You’d love Lake Como–great place for your painting.
Cara Nat, ancora e sempre mi stupisci con l’espressività delle tue foto e la potenza delle tue parole. Semplicemente magnifico!
Silvia, sei troppo gentile. Grazie.