TheAmbassadorOfRomanceInVenus's blog: "Appreciating Romantic Friends"

The following work is actually three poems, written in the Strambotto form. Since this is an Italian form, I devled into my memories for material. Thanks to my Marine Corps days, I spent a bit of time in Italy. Revisting these memories was a grand expereience. The Strambotto consists of eight strict hendecasyllable lines (11 syllables). This type of stanza is known as rispetto or ottava rima. There are three types and these are, Strambotto Toscano, Strambotto Siciliano, Strambotto Romagnuolo. It is an early form of Italian poetry often set to music. The rhyme scheme of the three Strombotto are as follows: Strambotto Toscano - abababcc Strambotto Siciliano - abababab Strambotto Romagnuolo - ababccdd These are meant to stand alone but I wrote these so they also form a whole. Enjoy! .. -------------------------------- A Roman Night Part One (Strambotto Toscano) Awed and silent, I watched as shadows filled The Coliseum, wondering if the wind Or the whispered breath of thousands long dead, chilled My skin, as the veil between life and death thinned. With bowed head I left that place where souls were milled To seek solace in light and passion’s whirlwind. I will contemplate shadows no more tonight Save those between my lover’s breasts in moonlight! Part Two (Strambotto Siciliano) As I approach she tosses a coin over Her shoulder, where for an instant, it catches The moon, becoming a star flashing silver. With smile and eyes she weaves delicate laces Which she casts upon a sensuous zephyr… Thus snared I melt beneath her honeyed kisses As Nepture smiles from the magical waters Of Trevi Fountain, granting lovers wishes. Part Three (Strambotto Romagnuolo) In an open carriage we ride through the night Sipping the moon reflected in ruby wine, Sampling the Pantheon’s beauty in moonlight, Stealing kisses on the Spanish steps incline. In its antiquity the night is still young, More beauty to see and more songs to be sung… And later we will lie in naked splendor Forging memories and dreams into treasures.