Selected poems
Amore mio
The neighbour says, So sorry. And sir,
you are the last paesano on this street.
Maria you promised me. I could go first.
Ti perdono, I forgive you, amore mio.
I sit in our backyard under lemon shade, amongst
the hens tomato plants and capsicums. I fall into each
wishful memory. We danced, those ad-hoc strolls
and laughter, you hummed our favourite songs.
I doze and dream you back to me,
remembering when there was no time
between us. All I want is for you to guide
me home. Please.
username: detective
(gracenotes)
Yet it’s there, this desire
to please whoever he may be, to often
forget what’s meant to be known,
probe as far as the eye can see
and search for whatever remains.
(the comfort zone)
There was a time when each choice
had its own destiny,
regrets few and far between,
when the way we were was known to everyone
and make believe here to stay.
(password)
Remember this, he wants to hear what you
mustn’t say to him, a sequel to his
show and tell. He tries to live a memory
of the heart, to submit facts about
those rumours of his fall from grace,
and take his truth back to where it all began.
Mary whispers,
Stay out of trouble if you can,
I worry that you may not cope with fame.
And when you talk please don’t
exaggerate. They’ll say it’s fake news and not
worth the effort to believe in you.
Though the poor man makes the world
seem so intense and paralysed,
let Peter read your eulogy, quote Psalm 46:10
perhaps. I know it comforts you.
One last thing, Will you let me care for you
until it’s time to go? I would like that very much.
Voyeur
Let others do the worrying,
his vendetta for a history that came too close
for comfort.
Even now, after so long,
he hates it when people take. him. for. granted.
and needs to be sure of what will happen next.
No what if, regrets, comma, if only, yes but
He repeats the obvious told you so
and dreams each day into the world,
for real. This familiar stranger with the grey
heart. To be continued . . .
Born in Italy, Ugo Rotellini lives in Adelaide. He worked in social welfare with recently arrived migrants and refugees. He has poems and short stories published in a variety of Australian journals.