Oh, Civitella Ranieri…

Mystical, magical, wonder filled,

Amongst the rolling Umbrian landscape. 

Bathed in fog, sun, moon glow, rain.

Serenity… aliveness. 

Beauty… ruggedness.

Awe… everydayness.

Light… shadows.

Community… solitude.

History… innovation.

Laughter… tears.

Overwhelming beauty,

Peace and gentleness. 

The heart and soul overflow. 

 

Oh, Civitella Ranieri…

Arco’s solitude and warm embrace,

Afternoon tea replenishes,

Stillness and quiet abound.

This simple abode caresses me in peace.  

 

Romana’s love filled food

Nourishes body, spirit and conversation.

Lasagna tastes so light.

Cauliflower is fit for a queen.   

 

Daily pilgrimages to the secret garden,

The palette changes from

Green to blue to gray to night. 

The mystical fog dances across the landscape 

Hiding, revealing… hiding, revealing.

 

The community of friends,

Old and new.

Sharing food and wine 

And stories and love.

Pass the chicken please. 

 

Ilaria and Diego

Bless us with their presence,

Make us laugh,

Hold us in a caring embrace. 

 

The chapel reveres

our night prayers.

Chilly air, paintings unrestored,

Warm hearts and souls.  

 

Dottie’s tragic news pierces like an arrow 

What to do but hold her gently 

And lovingly in our hearts

And in the peace of this sacred place. 

 

Oh, the spiritual places…

Sister Gloria…

Glows brightly in her joy

And peace. 

Her icons are God sent. 

 

Brother Giuseppe… 

Smiles in his serenity

And welcomes us with

heartfelt hospitality. 

 

The Franciscans at La Verna…

Chant in sacred harmony

As the fog enfolds the cross.

 

Assisi…

Welcomed as neighbors at San Leonardo, 

In communion with St. Francis. 

 

And, not to forget,

The earth and sky and fields and hills,

Are laden with sacredness. 

 

Oh, the art…

Piero della Francesca…

Genius and giant,

The Resurrection, Madonna del Parto. 

 

Francesco Moretti…

Brilliant glass queen,

The colors…the detail,

How is it possible?

 

Pietro Lorenzetti…

Altar piece in loving restoration.

 

Dana’s knowledge and passion 

And love for it all,

Make the art soar and the soul sing.  

 

Oh, the music…

Diego and the spoons, 

The brick and wine bottles too,

What delight, what joy!

 

Libercantus in harmony,

Filling the baroque church

With angels voices.

 

And then there is

The music of

Silence and

Tea kettles. 

 

Oh, Umbria, dear Umbria…

Your hills cry out joyously.

Your furrowed fields yield new life.

Your colors and textures astonish. 

Your fog and mist embrace mystery.

Your old streets abound with alleys and life.

Your churches and markets enliven.

Your food nourishes and excites. 

Your hills and valleys rebound. 

Your olive and cedar and sea pines enchant. 

Your history exudes.

Your art shines. 

Your beauty overwhelms.

Bellissimo sweet Umbria. 

God’s grace overflows.