San Pietro
greek - 9th century - otranto
Drove back with Amelia from Lecce in her parent's truck with paintings in tow. Speaking very little English she apologizes for this. We managed quite well communicating with little language between us.
She is family to Mira's family, and has been very helpful assisting where she can. Today she's willing to transport my large works.
I ask if she's traveled outside Italy?
With a defiant movement of her one right finger, says 'No', and states her contentment with life. Staying put in Italy, not even travelling much within her own country, gives her happiness. She loves the country life and prefers the rural here in Salento.
Listening to her I was transported in a curious way to her deep sentiments.
She is salt of the earth, with a deep faith and the values of old country.
She is a teacher and loves children.
As she speeds homeward
the scenery outside the window
She is a teacher and loves children.
As she speeds homeward
the scenery outside the window
in fluids of colour
pulsing brown, olive and silver against
trees moving in slow motion towards an infinite end,
pulsing brown, olive and silver against
trees moving in slow motion towards an infinite end,
a southern Italian visage
.
.
Weaving
ancient lands to
blood ties
in
melodies
of
faith
family
community
ceremony
song
.
I pass this tree daily and is one of hundreds but today I'm pulled to take a closer look at this one.
Entering into the chamber of the trunk
guessing the timeline as
one of the oldest,
a most wonderful surprise to see
a life size maiden form entwined,
an Elemental
against this Ancient.
Her backbone
transformed
and curvaceous.
- remains of a niche -
reminding me for a fleeting moment of all the myths, prayers, songs circulating across all cultures and peoples
weaving ancient riches of
lore, belief, ceremony, and of possible passages to a deeper knowing of who we are.
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