I Left My Heart in Italy

I needed an escape,

a refuge, and a retreat.

I didn't know what to do

because I felt incomplete.

.

I survived COVID,

a major surgery, and tremendous heartache,

but it was with the death of my father

when I felt my life quake.

.

I wanted to go far away

and didn't care about the cost.

I needed the pain to abate

to get away from the loss.

.

I retreated to Italy with my mother,

who had her own emotional conflicts.

However, she kept them to herself,

so I could focus on the memories I had abolished.

.

During the day, I cast a smile.

My travel buddies never knew,

that I was letting a heartbreak heal,

although I still felt blue.

.

Despite their efforts to comfort me,

Italy healed my heart.

With its love and culture,

I didn't want to part.

.

I listened to the Amalfi Coast bells,

and sailed to Capri too.

Walking the streets of Pompeii,

I suddenly became unglued.

.

I realized my life was a blip in time,

and nothing to take for granted.

The threads of history are woven deep,

but here, my soul feels enchanted.

.

Italy taught me "La Dolce Vita."

which means "Live the sweet life."

Today, I hold that meaning dear,

no matter life's strife.

.

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