Puglia… the heel of Italy’s boot

Ode to Molfetta the white city in the south
The city that restored my faith in love.
Your stark white buildings and narrow streets all leading to the sea,
The place where I lost my control and squalled like a mermaid 
That was set free after being captured on land. 

That day, I found a part of myself that I'd lost
I found her wandering the quiet streets of Molfetta.
She had been looking in windows at happy families preparing warm Christmas meals
Roaming the park and watching friends hug each other and make plans for the New Year
When I found her she cried...
She asked me, "Why didn't you come find me sooner?"
And I told her the truth... I told her, "I didn't know I'd lost you, I didn't know you were lost..."

Puglia, your coast was as long as my happiness was deep,
You embraced me, lost as I was, and the frigid numbness I felt
dissipated.
I stripped off my coat and felt your rays like the familiar caress of  a lover 
on my skin,
I turned round and round as your salty ocean kissed my lips and
drummed in my ears like new found passion.
I was free, I was found, I was warm, and I was loved.

- Lemrua Samuel