In 2025 we had an opportunity to take a trip to Italy which also included an added cruise of the Greek Isles. One stop was in Mikonos, Greece … Magnificent!! While we walked amongst the beautiful white buildings and stone alleyways, we were fortunate to encounter Gioras Bakery and then were fortunate enough to be tempted by the smell coming from this gem… and yielded. This is the oldest wood fired bakery in Greece. As we entered down some steps, we encountered what we expected to find and placed our order. We then walked towards the back, past some of the stoves, and found us a nice quaint table by the back entry. As I was returning to the table one last time I paused and took this picture of my wife sitting quietly awaiting my return. Over the last week I have set with this picture and practiced writing a poem. After a few iterations here is what I have arrived. I hope you enjoy it and can sense just a hint at why we would love to return to that table … that table of curiosity in the back.
The door stayed open, but she did not move
The open chair, the table space
The light reveals her stillness there
The sound outside gently reminds
It’s more rushed beyond that door
Soon I may settle where dark retreats
Like a wanderer returning home
I’ll ease from darkness into light
Smell of dough all warm and golden
And salted with subtle breezes that caress
The stone, so white, so smooth, like skin
It covers bones and lends their form
And shelter us within from burning heat
Cool stone, cool skin, cool soul
And there I sit across from her
Between the door and unseen scene
She thinks she wants to stay and yet return
And I say surely so we will
If time so gifts us life
The Curious Table 