Orange Walls

Orange Walls

In the 60's
my father painted
the living room walls
killer burnt orange
to contrast with the green velvet sofa
and the faux iron Spanish lamps.
At sunrise with the curtains opened
and Miles", Sketches of Spain
on the stereo
I imagined myself in Barcelona
at the Sagrada de Familia.
It was a clementine for the soul
a bouncy childhood balloon
careening away from the morning news
of war and assassinations.
I would change the channel to PBS.
Daniel Striped Tiger had
faded charred mango stripes.
He and Lady Aberlin
chimed, "Ugga Mugga"
when they rubbed noses.
"Ugga Mugga", I shout to a world
where no one touches noses.
I am going to paint
the livingroom walls
fresh cantaloupe.