
Capoeira in Sesimbra
under the slatted shade
of a promenade shelter
in the afternoon blaze.
In the circle, the roda,
in white tunics of martial art
high kicking and swung limbs
but never a touching.
Grins and not threats,
the berimbau sets a rhythm
the calls and responses
of exotic birds, agility of dolphins.
Dance, clap and sing
in the circle of their world,
a bare-chested man handstands,
a child close-by mimicking.
Capoeira in Sesimbra :
sound-patterns on Atlantic breeze,
a body-swirl, a street-swim,
a game that everyone wins.