Turning into our alley,
we pass the tiny courtyard
with the old, green, metal gate
next to our front staircase
where Esperanza hangs the day’s wash
and keeps the door to her kitchen open
to let in what breezes blow,
to let out the heat from the stove,
and to release whatever aromas rise
from preparing the midday meal.
Today
it smells of my childhood,
and all at once, I’m at Nonna’s.
The doors of the paneled elevator have opened
and I’m racing a sibling
straight down the quiet, carpeted hallway,
past dark, stained doors
with small brass peepholes
and hanging welcome wreaths
(dreary and dull
and not very welcoming),
toward the last door on the left.
I can smell it
prior to reaching it
and already know what treat lies ahead
before I hear her delighted squeal
and slippered feet
skittering from the kitchen
to answer the doorbell’s strange, loud warble.
Today
Esperanza has summoned a favorite –
chicken broth and pastina,
with heaping spoonfuls of grated Parmesan
which soon will be melting at the bottom of the bowl
and sticking to my spoon,
and making me happy beyond measure.
Especially when offered seconds
from the old, green-enameled saucepan,
worn and stained,
and ever filled with savory Italian delights
from Nonna’s tiny, talented hands.
The familiar aroma –
the familial aroma
makes the scorched day feel light
feel right
and makes Italy feel more like home.
Author: Anne Celano Frohna
I have been writing for as long as I could hold a pencil in hand and would not feel complete without it.
And I actually made a meager living at it (and as an editor) for 25 years.
I worked for newspapers and magazines, in graphic arts and advertising, and wrote several local history books.
But I have also taught English in Japan, been a Nanny/family chef in Italy, worked in and for museums, was an Airbnb Superhost for four years, as well as an Etsy shop owner, where I sold vintage items I found over the years at thrift stores and yard sales.
After moving to Arizona with my family in 2010, I completed a series of different writing projects, including two books of creative non-fiction:
Just West of the Midwest: a comedy (Based on journals I kept during my two years as an English teacher in rural Japan.)
Within Close Range: short stories of an American Childhood (Short stories and poems about growing up as the middle of five children in suburban Chicago.)
But in the past few years, I have found my voice in poetry.
I am a mother of two wonderful girls, Eva (26) and Sophia (24) and wife to one wonderful husband, Kurt.
In 2023, with our girls grown and off on their own, my husband and I packed up our things and moved to the tip of Italy’s heel, to the Salento region, where I continue to work on my poetry, as well as a new fiction project, and indulge in my passion for mosaics - all of which you can view on my Instagram page @ acfrohna.
View all posts by Anne Celano Frohna
Dog-eared Stories by anne celano frohna 
This is so beautiful, Annie. I loved getting to learn specifics about a part of your childhood and I love knowing that that lovely smell warmed your heart and brought you joy in your new home!
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Awww, Jeannie! I love you!!!!!!!
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