The Frescoes ©

the stoop was made into a

place of joy without money,

bricks, wood, paint, furniture,

and the things needed to build

such a space.  we gathered on 

thick hot days to tell slow stories,

and laugh about things arising in

time and space. unseen dealings 

were exposed in dreams,  memories 

of bygone days and celebrations 

enjoyed of how far in life we’ve 

come. beneath a field of stars,  we 

never lived in darkness,  no one

was diminished and feelings passed

between stoop sitters like candle 

flames dancing on church altars 

for Saints.  an elderly women with

us smiled before saying how clever

it is for kids to paint frescoes on 

alley walls revealing to newcomers

who were kept illiterate the tales of

Jesus spreading the seeds of his 

Word in places judged to have no

importance.   

h. j. Recinos