Il mio gioiello

Escaping out my small window,
Hearing the true distance of the city while
admiring the thousands of blinking
fireflies from buildings and cathedrals
that stand in wondrous domes.

Walking five steps to the terrace,
Pushing the swing door and searching
yet no one is out in this windy evening.
And I pull my lavender scarf closer,
sighing at the warmth and feeling
of remembering you here.

Watching the basilica a few yards next to me
bequeath holy silence, as pathways are
calmly lit, and passerbys slowly take the
moment in.

I watch as my friends shop below me,
onto the slick, wide, alleys,
hearing their happiness through their footsteps.

And all I do is smile.
I am no longer afraid to be here.

Climbing to the top balcony,
strings of plants gushing forth their greetings,
their greens billowing and I,
letting my hand glide across their smooth arms
can't help but open my eyes even wider.

Stars surround me, as much as I turn my head,
move my head towards the sky above,
I can't see them all.
But they shine, dancing in the fresh air
with a new purpose.
And I begin to dance.....

Under the comets, under the same moon
that awaits me back home,
countries away.

Maybe this is my home, too.

It's not being independent that makes me
who I am,
it's knowing with your presence remembered,
I understand who has made me love
and find the meaning of peace.

-Il mio gioiello is Italian for "my Jewel". I know a few phrases in Italian but hope to learn and truly study this language, it's one of my dreams, and this poem was inspired by the beauty and mystery of my trip to Italy (specifically Assisi as it felt closest to home and we spent the most time there!)- Enjoy, thanks for reading!

- Written on February 16, 2012.