Italia

I have not been to my ancestors country since they left
I was born in one of the places they came to for: La Dolce Vita!
Yet, in my heart
I see the old country as mine
I claim it with pride
I have questions and dreams where my bloodline stems
Nostalgic feelings that tie me to a place and people I never knew
Yet, I long for
Because it is who I am
The faces I have seen in fragments Generations later
Traveling at the mercy of the unpredictable sea
In the midst of unhealthy conditions
Seeking a better life
Some not making it
Ones that did
Toiled in this America for la famiglia
Showing this new land what family means
At times
Losing their life
For basic necessities
Which came scarcely back home
The culture that is near and dear to me
Italia! Oh, Italia!
Although you were rough on my ancestors
You have come a long way
I long to breathe your air
See your architecture
Soak in your sea
Taste the produce made from your rich volcanic soil
The food and wine made by the hands of my paisan
Have my feet feel the land where my heart is connected to
Experience your myths and legends
Visiting la strega who will take away il malocchio
With these thoughts I anxiously await to visit you
Until then
I dream