When I am an old man

I want to sit in Italy

On a bench in the sun,

With a view behind me

And the town before,

The reverse of my life.

I will watch it all:

The birds and the buses

And the old Bitties,

And of course the weather.

I’ll wonder why I began

In a cold northern town

When places like this existed

And took a lifetime to find.

I’ll think about time

And how much I once had

And wonder how much

Might still remain.

But I won’t worry

And I won’t hurry

And I will never serve again

A To Do list or a goal

And will no more

Monuments make.

I’ll wonder why

(You know I will),

I never really did it

What I was built to,

And dabbled instead

At the edges of it all

Like a child scared of a pool.

But I won’t regret it,

No, not for a bit,

Because I’ll be old –

So crotchety old –

In Italy, no less,

Where every old man

Should get to sit.

 

Sincerely,

Chris Brady

Oldmaninitaly

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6 responses to “An Old Man in Italy”

  1. Phelicia Wyant Avatar
    Phelicia Wyant

    Your poetry says so much with so few words. As someone who struggles with being too wordy, I admire your precision and clarity.

    Like

  2. smrtdylan@gmail.com Avatar
    smrtdylan@gmail.com

    Love it, I gave my Pastor Pails, he shared it with the congregation, never before defined his passion let alone his purpose.I invite you & Teri, whenever you are in California to be our guest speakers to our church youth, on Pails. Thank you

    Like

  3. maryellenrobson@gmail.com Avatar
    maryellenrobson@gmail.com

    I really doubt that you’ll ever be really content with sitting idylly by, just as a spectator. I visualize you always intent on making a difference, wherever you are! Thx for continually making a difference in our lives and many more each day. Mary Robson

    Like

  4. Cathy - Team Kaizen Rascals Avatar

    Charming. Absolutely charming and packed with truth.

    Like

  5. Antonio Rosselli Avatar
    Antonio Rosselli

    Italy is my native country …
    I left ( Italy ) for the first time at age 20 to go in Africa …
    I left ( Italy ) for the second time at the age of 22 to come to America …
    I want you to know that i have the most respect for you … And for the care you have shown for my first country …
    Maybe one day we will meet in Roma ( Italian spelling ) … while eating tartufo gelato …
    Your blogs ( about Italy )/book bring back in my mind beautiful memories …
    Ty
    Maybe one day we will meet in Napoli ( Italian spelling ) … While eating pizza …

    Like

  6. Chris Brady Avatar

    Antonio:
    I would like nothing more!
    CB

    Like

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