Adventuring in Italy

At evening near Assisi,

we pick our way carefully

through neat crop rows

and over low fences

toward a hilltop town.

Escaping a nondescript hotel,

and busload of fellow travelers,

we find our own dinner and memories

after rousing the surprised owner

of a sleepy trattoria.

At ease with youth and pleasure,

we savor piquant details,

praise the hearty local food, and

return holding hands in the dark,

staggered with happiness.