Little Italy

in spite of mussolini’s proclivities

to fertilize fascist roots

tuscany drenched in sun

and golden warmth

produces some of the finest

wine and extra virgin olive oil

the world yet knows

in spite of nero's fires

caligula's perversions

berlusconi's convictions

lack of convictions

in spite of centuries of decline

and legions of debaucheries

rome where all roads once led

cradles more

history art antiquities

than one person

in any lifetime can see

what will we be

what will we remember

or keep in our d c

or grow in our once great states

in spite of our disgrace

perhaps in the ensuing

heat and storms

of the final stages

we will find the way

to cultivate great fields

of orange trees

in tended rows again

reclaim the color as our own

remember the cold-pressed juice

of our native fruit as something

both sustaining and sweet

to accompany each new morning