our autumn in italy

taking the long way there.

in the slower lane we drove through long twisting mountains.
those were the roads of italy that choose us on this trip.

roads of hair pin turns. of steep slopes. a slow breathtaking tour of cactus. silver leafed olive groves. of ripening orange trees.

we followed roads where the lantana bloomed.

through a small 14th century mountain village we wandered holding hands.

autumn leaves and ripe chestnuts fell on cobblestone paths.
small lizards sunned themselves on rocks in the afternoon.

church bells rang 2 blocks away.

we rested on a bench with amaretto cookies with the sun on our face.

we spoke almost in whispered tones as if the moments would end if we were overheard.

sunny afternoons cooled quickly as dusk came to the hills.

the warm scent of burning autumn leaves found us in our evening walks.

we could see our spoken words in the air as the sun set. i was thankful for my sweater.
i was thankful for so much.
when it was time, we said goodbye to the mountain.

xox

tracie