I caught a glimpse
through the old green shutters
of the big stone villa
just off the piazza
heading to the dusky streets
to join the others
in search of reprieve
from the unyielding sun
from the infernal heat,
with dogs at our feet,
anxious to move.
Maria sat alone
on a comfortless chair
pushed against a tall wall
in one of two rooms
of the many-roomed villa
where she now resides;
motionless
like loneliness
perched on a chair
in a small stuffy room
of the once grand manor
all but abandoned
save for Maria.
aware of each other
through the old green shutters
of the big stone villa
just off the piazza
i turned from the scene
an unwitting intruder
as Maria stepped forward
and closed the slats
of the old green shutters
shutting out the street
her neighbors
my notice
the night
relief.
The Baroness
(i heard her called)
in quiet
cloistered
retreat.
Dog-eared Stories by anne celano frohna 