City By The Bay

The fog is yet lingering on my skin
The salted sea crystallizing on my lips
Trances of the place I had always been
Golden Gates welcoming every eclipse

Massive burritos from sidewalk taco trucks
Sweet almond pastries from China Town
And hippies handing out pendants for luck
The gifts of the city are what never slow down

I had yoga mats and stained coffee mugs
I had sunshine and rain and rainbows
Seagulls, seals, and people offering free hugs
Even the worst vagabonds had faints of halos

I’m always missing the oasis I call home
A city that will always be set apart
It’s one of those days my mind does roam
Because today San Francisco’s in my heart

more by NOOR NIJJAR

Photograph by Ramiro Checchi