Fado is a traditional Portuguese style of music, but the word itself literally means “fate.” In the year 2016, I travelled to Lisbon, Portugal with my then-girlfriend Hannah. I narrowly managed to get through airport security with a concealed object . . .one that, if discovered, would have disastrous . . .well, disappointing consequences. I was travelling with an engagement ring, travelling with fate.

We arrived at the hotel long before check-in time, so, exhausted and excited, we decided to leave our suitcases at reception and start our adventure . . .which, along with our engagement, began with climbing a steep hill. The hill was just outside our hotel, and one of the city’s iconic, yellow trams was operating on it. In a tourist trance, we pretty much followed the yellow tram up the hill, and by the time we arrived at the top, we were regretfully sweating a lot.

Regret soon vanished as we stumbled upon Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a small garden area with incredible views of the city below. In this moment, as we looked on the city that we would be exploring, I thought to myself, “If I propose now, I can experience this city with Hannah as my fiancé.” So I unveiled my concealed object, Lisbon and fate spoke on my behalf, and the word yes was uttered. I can still hear that word as clear now as then. Tears washed the fears away, and we walked down the hill transformed.

The poem below is something I had been toying with in the days leading up to the proposal; I read it to Hannah that night.

 

Fado

 

© JOSEPH “JOE” GRAHAM, [2019].
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Photograph by Nuno Patrício.