italy

topiary trees.
like disneyland and cone shapes.
purple curtains in the windows above
gelson's drug store across
the street.

tobin told me "i miss spain"
and "i have the travel itch"
and i said "tell me about it"

i feel a year of chaos
but shawn says he feels good
change coming.
i hope so.

so many people are starting
up on their feet, starting to
move, to wander. we are making
false promises to visit.

yellow porch umbrellas
pink and purple gladiolas
in giant pots sit out front.

we look at maps of italy and
pictures of vespas and think
about hair blowing in the wind
and ukuleles. pieces of time.