The Tuscan Interlude

by Naseema Mustapha (South Africa)

I didn't expect to find Italy

I sat down on the wet steps of the Duomo di San Gimignano and looked up. Several seconds passed before I realised that my own tears, warm and salty, had merged with the soft midsummer Tuscan raindrops, freely flowing down my neck. My melancholic mind that was heavily conditioned to wander and doubt, and fear and resist, suddenly dropped its anchor in the ocean of joy that welled up inside me. For the first time in a long time, I could hear my soul’s voice. It was still but it was louder and clearer than the footsteps of locals and travellers hurrying up and down the steps and the winds swishing the rains here and there. It was stronger than the woody aroma of the olive oil and its fruity, bitter, pungent taste that lingered in my mouth, hours after my lessons on all things olive at the Castello di Verrazzano that morning. It was sweeter than the red wine that a vintner of Chinati boasted of all the while tempting me, a teetotaller, to understand that it was not about the alcohol, but rather about the taste, sensation on the palate, marriage of flavour with food and the after taste of good quality Italian wine that mattered. As my soul’s voice was whispering, more like capturing, my moment on the steps of the Duomo, a visceral yearning in me guided my hand into my daypack and pulled out a leather bound journal, unclasped the pen from the front cover and hurriedly began scribing on the pages that hadn’t been written on in months. I have the midsummer Tuscan rain and the wet steps of Duomo di San Gimignano to thank for the instrument I became in scribing this poem. A poem that was all about my soul’s interlude in Tuscany. Cobblestones click beneath my feet The echo of ancient times Travertine walls raise up high A village reminiscent of old Deeply drenched in character Arches a breathtaking view behold How precious this ambience is here Journeying to an era unknown Church bells ring in tune choirs sing Spirit elevated to a soar Mesmerised by this tapestry of wonder Tuscan valleys and hills follow Fields sun filled with luscious growth Olive, grape, sunflowers Reaching out to the Tuscan sky Filling my heart with marvellous wonder Capturing this moment in time San Gimignano a beauty to behold Rain softly kissing my bare shoulders Heavenly breezes caresses me I am transcended to a time far away My soul finds peace in this tranquil surround Deep green valleys hold my thoughts The memory etched deep within Colours of Tuscany have embraced me Italia lies within