This is part of a series of essays and poems with photos on the last motels still standing in Reno. We previously had a series on the last motel residents of Reno. Motels, initially conceived for tourists, increasingly became a last housing option for many, due to bad credit, not enough money for deposits, or not wanting to deal with a multitude of bills and complications, or a first housing option for residents coming out of homelessness. Many motels are now being torn down, after being bought out and razed by slow to act developers, with many vacant lots now dotting the downtown landscape.
mellow
the weather was perfect
it felt so nice to have a summer storm this year
the smell of rain and stormy clouds
the puddles crowding my feet
raindrop kisses on my glasses
i pass by this motel all of the time
this has become my favorite one
the motels dense, forest green and fading sand colors
pale blue curtains draped over the windows
little plants at my eyes
i met a dog named luna, she was a sweet girl
this place reminded me of
moments i’ll never forget
i’ll always keep this between me and you
it must have been something in the air or whatever they say
you were the sweetest
you were the prettiest
i would laugh
you would smile
you’re something special
i can’t help but feel the same still
and i say all of this with a fond smile
i’m almost done with that book you recommended, damn it’s good