By Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2019

First published in Academy of the Heart and Mind (February 20, 2023)

Costa Rica, a land of exploration,
a golden paradise,
a lush and verdant Eden,
perfected to entice…
a newly minted couple,
arrived from northern states,
searching for enchantment,
for elixir that elates.

In steaming springs of water,
thermally heated from above,
we did witness a volcano,
erupting gently as our love.

Hummingbirds did hover,
emerald jewels fanning the air,
beckoning us to follow,
streaming sunlight everywhere.

On rugged rocks below Fortuna,
where falls churned forcefully,
you did bedazzle and radiate,
warmth and tender raw beauty.

We journeyed through the jungle,
to the stark base of Mount Arenal,
contrasting with the landscape,
of fiery lava coming to a crawl.

As it trickled down the cone,
fiery red, with orange-tinged glow,
a drenching deluge from above,
did halt and congeal its flow.

Deep within the jungle,
howler monkeys did emit,
deafening roars of agitation,
pounding chests in enraged fit.

The pouring rain refreshed us,
breathing new life, wakening all,
a potent natural reminder,
of the shifting weather of the fall.

We forged a tight-knit bond,
zip-lining down the slopes,
after riding up the mountain,
atop horses without ropes.

We navigated rapids,
white-water rafting down the same,
braving Sarapiqui’s currents,
of crocodile-infested fame.

A bartender we befriended,
did arrange dessert for our last meal,
with a specially prepared cake,
he orchestrated with great zeal.

And so reluctantly we left,
such an endearing, magical place,
with sweet memories and experiences,
no one can take away or replace.