THE VIA DEL CASSERO

How many times
have I walked your way.
How many times
have you counted my steps.
You know my steps
my joys and sorrows.

I return to you, Cassero of my youth,
to seek in footsteps worn by time
my roots and being.
I return to you, Cassero of my reminiscence,
witness and keeper of noble thoughts.

Between one step and the next
debating man’s knowledge
furtive glances would always meet.
Knowing glances.
Glances like caresses.
Such eyes! Such ardent eyes!
O how beautiful the girls of the South!

Via del Cassero,
between your walls
I lived out my childhood years.
In your flagstones
I left behind my dreams.
Triumphs? Or defeats?
To each his destiny.