A 5000 Lire note, cinquemila, sits on my desk
A 1000 Lire note, mille, rests atop it
Reminding me of the trip to Sicily and Sorrento
I took not too long ago.
But these notes are no longer legal tender,
No longer worth the few American pennies I
Exchanged for them at the hotel desk,
Replaced by the latest Euro fashion.
Consider that I could easily have bought an
Espresso and canoli with them instead of bringing
Them home, was that the right choice?
The past is gone and cannot be changed.
But then what is the worth of them as a reminder to me
Of the wonderful time I spent with my father
Of the two weeks in a new place and a different culture
Of the ways in which my eyes were opened?
I know I would not trade them for a couple of shiny Euros
I would rather have them right here to see, to touch
The portraits of Montessori and Bellini looking to the distance
The green and tan and blue, the blue and magenta of two old notes.
BillSaysThis 