Monday, January 13, 2014

Sunday at Luigi's

I went to Luigi's, an Italian restaurant here, with my husband and in-laws last night.  They have great food, and we had a nice time visiting with family and making memories while there.  Montoni's, the pizza parlor featured in the comic strip, "Funky Winkerbean," is said to be based on Luigi's restaurant.  I wrote this poem trying to capture the evening.


Sunday at Luigi's

Sunday night finds me
in the spot made famous by Luigi.
Lush, green vineyards on rolling hillsides,
are painted on the walls all around me.

For one small instant in my mind,
I am in Sicily 
sitting with family 
at a picnic table next to an olive tree.
We are laughing and talking,
sharing a basket of garlic bread and dining on ravioli.

Then, a gust of cold air that is so wintry
invades the restaurant,
bursting through an open door to remind me
that my here and now is not a summer's day in Italy,
but cold Ohio in the middle of January, so blustery.

Luckily, the warmth of good food,
fellowship, and camaraderie
takes my mind from the cold temporarily
and fills my heart with gratitude summarily.

For the seasons will taunt us, (changing constantly)
and we ourselves may flit about here and there, 
(with so many sights to see)
but the love of family will be our most steadfast company,
and THAT will be what we treasure the most in our memory.

39 comments:

  1. Sounds like a wonderful time for you and your family.

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  2. I liked your description of your experience through your poetry. Funny, but Italy is someplace I've always wanted to visit, and that sounds like my fantasy! You're blessed with good inlaws. Wonderful!

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  3. Lovely sentiments! And before we know it, spring will return.

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  4. Great poem... We all love traveling ---even if it's 'dream' travel. BUT--the best is to be with family!!!!! Love it.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  5. Great post, Daisy! I was right there with you and could smell that garlic bread....Yum! :)

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  6. You completely captured that moment when reality invades our warm and toasty dreams! Your poems are wonderful. I've tried to rhyme before, I don't have the ear for it. No, honestly. When we had to rhyme in grade school I always got back papers that with full blown chicken pox all over them! Red marks everywhere!

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  7. Awe this is so beautiful Daisy, I felt like I was right there along with you from your words... I want to fly to Italy, Spain, Portugal... anywhere warm... hahaha

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  8. Beautiful description, thank you for taking us along. Stay warm and take care.

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  9. Thanks, everyone! I've never been to Italy, but I think it would be lovely to visit there. I'm glad you liked this poem. :)

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  10. Anonymous1/14/2014

    I know the warm atmosphere and delicious food with family was very welcome in this frigid weather.

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  11. Oh Daisy, this was fantastic- great writing!

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  12. Yes, Mildred. That is so true! :)

    Thank you, Terri! :)

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  13. What a delightful memory of dining out, Daisy.

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  14. Sounds a lovely evening Daisy. Nice and warm inside in contrast to the cold outside.

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  15. Wonderful poem and a special evening for all of you. Long ago my husband and I always went to a little Italian restaurant on Piedmont Rd in Atlanta after Sunday night church.

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  16. Beatrice, Lynne, and Karen, thank you all! :)

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  17. Years ago we used to go to Mama Leone's in Boston. Now we live in another state but there is a small basement restaurant a few towns away which reminds me so much of Mama's. The food is excellent, the wine superb and it makes it more special when we go with family and friends. The Veal Parm is out of this world. Lord I am making myself hungry just thinking about it. I love how you captured the moment with your poem.

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    1. That sounds lovely, Lady Jane. Thank you! :)

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  18. Daisy
    So true, family memories never leave the heart!
    It's been so long since I've been to a good Italian Restaurant....

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  19. beautiful Daisy....I imagine the hills, the mountains...their smells and sights and sounds. It makes dealing with winter and cold easier and of course....family....that's the best. Happy Friday!!!

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  20. Thank you, Kimberly and Nikki! Hope you have a great weekend! :-)

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  21. As always, your words are yummy!!

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  22. Lovely poem and thoughts, Daisy!

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  23. Thank you, Reenie and Connie! I appreciate the kind words. :)

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  24. Mmmm, this post makes me hungry . For good food to eat while surrounded by people we love.

    Sounds like your family loves each other and enjoy each other's company, a precious gift. I think your family must especially love your verse , written with love.

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    1. Thank you, Kathy. Yes, my family is a blessing I am thankful for every day. :)

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  25. Loved the poem. You have a way with words.

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  26. Marko and Kelly, hello and welcome. Thank you for visiting and commenting here. I appreciate your comments. :)

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  27. Daisy, your poem is so wonderfully rich with imagery, and meaningful to me, especially since my grandfather came from Italy. I love Italian food!

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  28. Thank you, Linda! I love it too. :-)

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  29. "Food for thought" seems applicable. You took us to a dreamy place both in Sicily and Ohio. I'm thinking about how uplifting it is to appreciate the beauties of life in the moment versus wanting to be elsewhere. Thanks, Daisy.

    xoRobyn

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    1. Thank you, Robyn! There is definitely something to be said for living in the moment. :-)

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  30. Thank you, Kate! I'll come visit your blog. :)

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  31. Hey, you got me! I thought you were really there, until I hit "are painted on the walls around me." It's like that poem, "... a red wheel / barrow / glazed with rain / water ..."

    I like the feminine rhymes. They're sassy and fun.

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    1. Hello, Jen! Welcome and thank you for visiting here. That is one of my favorite poems. :-)

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  32. This is a beautiful poem with fantastic imagery. I'm glad you had a great time with your family. Sounds like a great place to eat.

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    1. Thank you, Brenda! We did have a fun time. :-) Have a nice weekend!

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  33. Very sweet and fun, C. Your writing is so visually evocative.

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    1. Thank you, Cary. Just me playing with words. :-)

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