In a cozy Italian kitchen

I was fed lovingly from an old wooden spoon

ladled from a pot that seemed to never run dry

I was held closely and read to every night while gentle fingers brushed my hair

til welcoming dreams met my fluttering eyes

I was sang to, with snapping fingers, and laughing glances

guiding me through melodies fast and slow

I was nourished with words of encouragement

my mistakes and failures carefully turned and shaped into memorable lessons learned and rules to remember

I was disciplined firmly, and immediately, but never with cruelty

So that I might know the shape and boundaries of the lines drawn by society

My hands were never left to idle

my energy aimed and focused to chores that would one day become a man’s tasks

I learned the satisfaction of a job well done, tasks completed, and promises fulfilled

I learned to give my Word

and to keep it

even when it wasn’t convenient

even when it wasn’t fair

When I close my eyes

I easily recall

thousands of smiles and hugs

nods of agreement

comforting hands reaching out

bouts of laughter and mirth

faces filled with pride

arms raised in celebrations of victory

How fortunate

How blessed

my childhood was

I am eternally grateful

to the angel of fate

who delivered me into the hands of such kind, honest, genuine souls

~ Dedicated to my parents John & Susan

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