THE POEM

My Salento by Maria Felicita Cordella

Amazed I worm my way

into a tangle of alleyways

to unravel

with the gaze of an entranced child;

in intricate mazes

dripping with memories, wisdom and flavors.

Alleyways like rabbit warrens,

blinding bright walls, milk white

and glimpses of sudden hues,

balconies like paintbrushes

orange, indigo and purple

the whitewash a splash of cheer.

Soaring bell towers

like watchful eyes

scrutinize from on high

courtyards and neighborhoods

protecting lives, whispers, sighs

and secrets of love and pain.

The sunshine filters its way through

and colors in the stone embroidery

doorways, balconies and Baroque triumphs

telling of ancient dynasties

stories of encounters and clashes

of love of death... who knows.

In courtyards like concave embraces

I get lost; I too become secret.

My heart melts, and

I forget the ancient pain,

while singing psalms

such pure emotion.

(Translation by Susan Perry)

Da: Silenzio, mio canto, 2014, Lupo Editore, Copertino (Lecce)

Martina Franca (Taranto). Photo by Nicola Amato

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