The Bells of Rome

I'm sorry

but I didn't get your message--

I've been out of the country
listening to the bells of Rome.

The Cobblestone Streets of Rome

It must be time to leave
now that I recognize the street people--

the man who plays with fire
the musicians on Ponte Sisto

the "punks and beasts"
with multiple piercings and tattoos

It must be time to leave
now that I recognize the dogs

in Villa Doria Pamphilli
now that the cobblestone streets

are familiar
and I can no longer

find an unknown route
to the Pantheon or Campo di Fiori.

It must be time to leave
now that I can no longer get lost.