The topic never matters around that battered wooden table
In that village square their chairs move with the cafe shadows
The Mediterranean sunshine is reason enough for a drink
What concern was it of anyone if they brought their own?
What good would it do to question these proud Italian men?
Why make yourself the target of such slings and arrows?
At the very least you earn a new nickname to carry all of your days
Or perhaps one by one they would mimic your foolish wagging finger
And what about your family, when they too become fair game?
No, best to let them orbit the square, let them sing and shout
Perhaps join them in a chorus, swaying or dancing arm in arm
These merry men of Italy, kings of that ancient village scene
Gentlemen of romance, an envious dream of wine and friendship
Yes, Perhaps join them in a chorus, swaying or dancing, arm in arm Or, as some say, easy quiet, makes no riot! Nice reading, Thanks for sharing, Edmund!
There is joy in the good music of cultures. The music inherited from ancestors, the oral history, the friendship and celebration of life.
I can feel the atmosphere, the gaiety, I love Italians and there love of celebration Light and uplifting! Wonderful poem thanks Edmund
Oh yes, I learned first hand. I am in the United States but my mother was from Italy. Despite so much sadness she always wanted to chase it away with loud music and laughter.....
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
I love the sense of community that comes with a community plaza! Nicely written Edmund. Wonderful sentiment and an evocative poem.
My mother Rosalina would always say what is this? or Is this ever going to get going? when music was too slow for her. She thought music should be a celebration. The community plaza could wipe out so much of the insecurities that people have. No long faces allowed. You would be grabbed and lifted up by people that care. Forced into a spotlight of clapping and jostling until the blues were shaken from your mind and spill out of your shoes.....