Confessional

A woman on the street
In Florence
Taking signatures for
A petition
To help end drugs and aids
Made a pass at me
While telling me how
Famous Pittsburgh is,

And that I do not
Look American.
I guess I did catch some sun
That day.

Anyway, she looked me up
And down.

I
Accepted her offer to learn
A little Italian,
But remained clueless as to what
        and what it was
That any of this really meant.
        anyway,

After some negotiation we reached our terms.
So naturally,
I
            gave her a twenty and
Ran straight
Inside San Gaetano
Dodging carelessly down the
Bus lane

-p. Conners Jr.
Florence, May 22, 2012

Victims

I'm wearing beige Khakis, a maroon T, Red Vans, with an orange Hoody tied around my waist While a woman with Cropped black hair Walks under me In a white T announcing No More Fashion Victims. I wonder where in Florence I have ended up. And how long have I been sitting on This wall? A man rows his thin Boat down the Arno backwards. My back and ass hurt. It's time to find A balcony And more wine. Possibly a taxi?

p. Conners Jr.
Florence, May 22, 2012

A White Crane

I saw her swooping
In while I sat on the
Ledge on top of the wall
Before the Arno river, sparkling
In midday.
She fell into the water
Soundless and soft
Stayed still for a
Minute then into the
Reeds I lost her.
I returned to Bukowski
He told me
To get used to it.
The crane was seen for
A moment again before
Sailing off under
Arched bridges of
Heavy stone.
I've felt
Shame and accomplishment
Before.

-p. Conners Jr, Florence
May, 22 2012