italy is a land of beautiful
contradiction and opinion
unfailing, unchanging
and drowning in sin.
she beckons you to church
to kneel at gilded altar
stand, kneel, stand
and thank your lucky stars
that she taught you right.
now on your knees
be a good girl and kneel
at the altar of men, please
and thank you. they say
stand, inginocchiati, stand
behind closed doors,
their hands on your hands.
the women tell me one day
red nails are for whores
how did I ever not
know this rule before
italy. but then she is refined
and the stage is set for
men as their eyes undress
red-nailed unknowing whores
with blonde hair and backpacks
that dream of backstreet
burning kisses from
all those men with sweet,
sweet smiles and the darkest
eyes.
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at these ones:
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Does the Dolce Vita Still Exist?
What's an Expat?
Be in the Present.
On Airports and Love
Pompeii and Cancer
Loss in Two Languages
You don't have to live forever-
Yes, Some of Us Need Italy.
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