Ramshackles

Tangled vineyards,

Hilltop towns,

A nursery of vines strung up in rows,

Stood to attention in their delicacy.

Mountains, entirely clouded by trees,

Impose on both sides of the train’s windows –

One in reality, the other in reflection.

We rattle on through the darkness,

Until the tunnel ends

And the morning light softens the carriage

Once more.

The mountains have drawn closer now.

They’re a ruling reality for both left and right.

Farmland, field and workers,

Labouring in the attractive morning lustre.

(Written on the early morning train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale, July 8th 2018)