When still a bachelor in southern France,
I'd stroll through narrow streets beside the sea.
Each scenic view declared, "You'll find romance.
This ocean village is your destiny!"

A breeze sent sailboats running in the bay
like happy children playing games of tag.
I'd stop for food and drink at a cafe
where I was served al fresco 'neath French flag.

Gardenias gamboled up the cement wall,
trimmed turquoise shuttered windows, ancient door.
Had Caesars sat right here when this was Gaul?
How many triremes's crews rowed near this shore?

I ate fresh fish, drank vineyard-bottled wine,
then met the lovely lady who's now mine.