Amore al Tramonto

Dai amica mia

che un giorno capirai

che l'amor che ti do io

non l'avrai mai, piu' mai!

Quel giorno tu saprai

che il vero paradiso

in questo mondo bello

lo hai cercato tu!

Ed io ti ho risposto

con un cuore sincero

ed anche onesto e vero

che non si puo' avere.

Qui su questa Terra dove

gli umani non hanno fiducia

trovano sempre scuse

per non amar davvero!

Dai amica mia

dimmi che mi ami

e fai quel che fai

per non lasciarmi piu'.

Un grande amore cosi'

arrivato da lontano

ormai in quell'orizzonte

di un sole che va giu'.

Ammira amore mio

questo tramonto della vita

che fugge e va nella notte

con la luna piena che va su!   

E li' ci sei tu!

Another Chapter

 How exciting it is to begin another

chapter after the last one was completed!

Not quite! Because in my journeys and new

experiences, there are always more things

to review. The actual time spent on what

I have written or recorded in pictures

and footage requires more time if it's going

to be a good memory for me and you.

By doing this, the completed chapter can

then be relegated to history!  Why do this?

Why not just enjoy the moment,

let go of what all is around you,

not worry about how the world

proceeds in its own mysterious ways?

This I cannot do, even though I know

that, maybe I should. Life is life

and sacred too. That's why I want

to continue writing my new chapter

because I want to see where this initial

experience, this previous completed

chapter leads us to. Why not become

aware of this propensity of mine

and help it along? It can be a chapter

in which you are also part of the story

as I am. Enjoy this ride together, I say,

but also enjoy the reflections that

these new tracks will provide. 

Such is history that can give meaning and

gratitude if you truly care. If you want

to cherish our memories. 

Just like love that is shared.

How is your new day?

 Please 'Don't cry for me Argentina"

was the memory of the life  of a poor

young girl who succeeded  in spite

of her background and upbringing.

She showed true grit and street wisdom

with so much hope for a future that would

continue in the chased allure of material

wealth and political influence. So once

such a goal has been reached, where

do we humans go next? Do we forget all

of our original aims in life? That is to make

ourselves and others live better lives?

Or is this purely a pursuit of selfish gains?

Does this, in the end, reach its natural demise?

Is this what life is all about? Why do we worry?

Why don't we truly love? For the sun rejoices

and shines each day, even behind those

clouds that often appear on the horizon!

Let there be the sun for you and me,

even when the clouds cover the light

of its bountiful nature. We are a part

of this Universe. We are here now.

Evita Peron in the end realized that all

the love that we hold in our heart for

others is no more than one good ideal.

The people, others whom we love, have

their own destiny, their own journey;

even when they are the victims of brutal

events, of Governments that fail them.

Such is Life, such is the way it has been!

We all, each one of us, should reflect

and say: 'don't cry for me even if you love

me!' For this is the path that I have chosen,

this is my journey and my destination will

arrive. I don't know when, but I will continue

to be true for me and you to the very end.

Rejoice in my love for you, remember all

the time that I tried to live so that we could

all be better... and then Time closed its hands

in a final applause when our deeds are done.

When we are ready to close our curtain!

Walking in Melbourne

 Priceless is this walk as we stroll

in South Bank admiring the Yarra

surrounded by so much to see!

How can this be? Not every day

we have company. Therefore it's

great just to be able to appreciate

all on offer by this portion of the City!

Just enjoying looking at the Cafes

where people meet and talk, or admiring

all these buildings that have slowly

made their way upwards towards

the sky! A miracle, I say. Behold this

reality that took so long to build.

From here people from all over our

World come to watch the fireworks

that often are set up for us all. Whether

you are a local or tourist, our Central

Melbourne is truly a place of joy at

a leisurely pace. And this time it was

you who made me appreciate it all

even more, Grazie Bella.

Splashing in a spa

 How good is this morning spa

and the pool. Oh, the sauna!

Refreshing experience as our

activities take form in our new

dawn! Sunset love can be fun

if we let it happen naturally!

We are there admiring the horizon

from a park bench by the sea.

And then after a good night sleep,

it's time to live it up for Time will

not be on our side forever. Time

calls the shots each day, every day.

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is

a dream. So today we must fill it up

with gifts for our soul, with peace

in our heart, taking joy on our walk.

It's a simple equation, for life needs

living. Yes, let's do that!

Don't think of me

 You told me not to think of you

and here I am, in the early hours

of the morning, doing just that!

Back into my own world, my niche

with Poetry My Friend. Like a pet,

she keeps me company, without

demanding anything from me!

Perhaps this is the way it should

really be when wanting the physical

presence of fellow life travelers. Each

one too, like you, needs space to do

what they have to do and must do!

I must confess that it is hard for me

not to think of you, even though I know

that I should! For you have come to me

like sunshine after another night when

only the stars and the moon gave me

light... like in a tunnel.  My heart was

heavy with solitude. My sun had deemed

in a sunset after a beautiful day. This time,

I did not expect this sun's warm rays

to shine again for me! So how can I not think

of you when I am full of gratitude and love

to be with you! Let's compromise. I will think

of you whenever I want, but you shall have

the freedom to continue to sleep and have

your time when I am not there: closed in

my own space with a ready flame by my side 

to be lit up whenever we meet again! 

What do I do now?

 A good question for me today

as I reassess moving forward,

whilst following my present reality

situation and maintenance.

The Universe tells me to still think

like a young man, to look forward

into the future, but always reminding

me of the limitations of Time.

This human life house of cards can

come tumbling down at any moment,

as it pleases and whenever it happens.

So what do I do now? Only have fun?

Don't have any commitments? Just wander

around aimlessly? I have purpose with

the Universe, it understands me... my

doubts about what I see, my humility 

in front of what the Almighty expects 

of me! So, what should I do now as this  

year unfolds? I have traveled far from 

where I was after my life's companion 

was recalled to Eternal life. She cannot help

me anymore except with our memories

and all those left behind: my family! Again,

what do I do now whilst getting over the loss

and grief? Being on your own is liberating, 

but every day the path forward demands

a new approach, a new direction. Now, today, 

the future is up to you! What do I want now? 

To be me! To live with liberty! The freedom

to decide what each day brings. If the day

needs flexibility, so be it! I have always been

happy to stop and respect all who are around

me, no matter how busy I have been. And some

in turn respond with:" I am busy now".

I am now looking at what I must do!

This response I have had thrown at me

many times! So now, I too am sometimes

busy. A leopard does not change its spots

and a shark only moves when it is hungry?

Knowing my own nature helps me. This is

what I must do. Enjoy each day as it unfolds,

do what I like and like what I do. The rest

is truly up to me! Whatever it may be!

Evita

 We planned to see this Musical  

at the Victorian Arts Centre, near 

the Gallery. So we walked and  

bought tickets. Very lucky to get

them at such short notice. This

young Argentinian woman remains

a symbol in history. Inspiring

the writing of the song: "Don't cry

for me Argentina". Her life began

in poverty and was ended by cancer

at thirty three, married into political

royalty! For in our Democracies once

elected you win and remain a part

of the story of your Nation. Like Kings

and Queens when people were only

subjects! Evita Peron traveled too

and met Leaders in Europe and the Pope.

This added to her allure, her image

and gratitude for having come out

of poverty. What a journey, like winning

the lotto in life where people struggle,

fight to live with little hope of overcoming

their penury! Eva Duarte de Peron remains

a symbol for Argentina. Our own Tina Arena

played the part beautifully. I often don't go

to such shows, but was moved by my curiosity.

This musical was great and so was my

company, for fortune in life often comes

unexpectedly! Just like with Tina Arena 

who had to leave Melbourne after her  

youthful performing days were over. 

She found it a struggle here to continue

her career and be accepted as a true blue

Aussie! To then return for a second coming

to represent our new understanding

and redefining the new blue Aussie

of our Diversity! Such a great show!

Such a memory!

Thank you for your company

Thank you for your company

for a loss received by destiny

is also a part of our journey! 

We could just fall apart and let all things be!  

Or we gather our inner strength, spiritual force    

and proceed with courage to another 

phase of our own track. We are born

alone and all through life look for a soul mate. 

Then we find one, we live together. 

Then one day lose it all. So now what do we do?

We cry and weep. We feel sorry.

We ask ourselves: "why me?: Why

should I bear this loss? Is the Universe

against me? Then we realize that's

the nature of our existence.  There is

everything in our path, the greatest

joy or grief to bear, the sun, rain, storms and hail. 

in fact this good bad duality follows us on our mortal journey.

The other world we cannot see, but want

to believe. That's where we come from

and that's where we are due to return after our Time is done, 

whether our candle is lit for long, 

or was spent too soon or, sometimes, didn't even 

make it to get on the journey of life. 

Such joy for a life well spent, 

such misery when tragedy strikes! But, all in all, 

we need to get up and proceed ahead without

looking back... but I prefer to see it all as history. 

So now I walk at my pace and found along

the way my way and there, there was you!

Ah what fortune! New born love!

As time goes by

 We are back on track in our

normal routine. We are enjoying

these sessions of texting, talking,

video calling. There is so much

to say... yes, we have to find

new ways! Looking inwards is

not the answer although this is 

unavoidably so! We do need 

to open up and say what we

want to say about a lot of topics 

and themes. To let our souls refresh 

with new oxygen and views! Don't 

be afraid or be embarrassed, all is ok. 

I am protecting you even when you 

think that I am not. So why would I ruin  

this reality? Love these moments together,

be free and not too cautious with me.

Now let new light and sunshine accompany

all of our activities. Ok let's rest sometimes, 

take a break, recharge but then we must

continue our journey even when we are 

on different tracks and doing what we need  

or want to do. For rest assured: I love you... 

as I hope you do me too!"

Lunch and Dinner

 How good is it to have lunch

and dinner together,  you and me!

Let's throw in a visit to restaurants

or cafes and enjoy our company.

For we are made to be companions,

friends, travelling partners and also 

to be there for activities. Let's walk

in the park, go to the beach, do some 

shopping, play table tennis, snooker

or ping pong. Discovering this, our world,

that we know so well...  and yet with

so much to see, so much more to admire

and appreciate in this our time on Earth!

Is Time our greatest illusion? For we are

here today, we live in the now, we shut

out the past, we don' really want to make

plans for tomorrow! How can this be?

You have challenged me to think along

with all that there is to see, but then

to let it go like royalty who comes into

what is organized, visits and go away!

Such visits politicians and heads

of organizations do to please those

around them.  Some of us humans

treat this life as if we were tourists

who just enjoy what is there to see.

Yet take away only memories! These

memories too after a while fade in our own

personal history. Now I need to reconcile

my focus on the past and the future

by looking after the Now of my day to day.

Enjoy every moment in the right company

and location, change every situation, find

peace and love. Yet stay there in this spiritual

world, that is in the Ever Ever! Let the Universe

decide how the world should be!

Spiritual Challenge

 Then someone comes along and, just like

me, challenges the way things should be.

For on this journey, I have begun to revisit

all my history. To then let it all go, let it all

fade away in favour of the pleasures of Now

and what is on offer to have and enjoy.

Admire what you see: butterflies in a park,

birds flying above, the new facilities, local flora

and fauna. This latter sometimes are a pest

in their own neighbourhood. Don't comment

on the negatives, just look at the positive!

Become aware of this new philosophy. Bring joy

to you, love what you decide for each new day,

remain flexible and let the weather, the climate

influence your daily needs, passions and activity.

Put yourself first, then friends and family. Let

the rest of the environment be there for your

pleasure, in a hedonist world, among the followers

of spirituality. These claim to bring on new energy,

renewed force into our being, reclaim faith

in the universe, so that we find pleasure and love.

Fly like Peter Pan in joyful optimism and fun!

Let it be so because now I have reached my Third

Age when the world's trickery is here for me to see!

Yet I must still continue to deal with it! But now it's

different for me! My life's baton I pass onto Thee!

Sunset

 Slowly the sun descends towards  

the line of the horizon above the sea.  

Its rays shine bright at first. Slowly the sun

gives the last warmth and light to all

who enjoy this summer day. What a picture,

what a sight to admire with someone

you love, as you lay on the sand after a dip

in the cool waters and frolic with glee!

This is a sunset to remember because it was

a whole while back that I saw another

like this! Yet young and old, in fact people

of all ages, know full well the power

of this universal ritual on our Earth.

The sun sets and then rises in a new dawn

for another day! Are you ready

for tomorrow? Please don't ask

these questions, let's just stay here

to admire this miracle of the day.

Don't think... just feel the warmth

of our company! With a few words

of this wisdom, I fall into ecstacy.

Now rules the sun and the sea,

which agree to let go of worries,

for all that was or is going to be.

This transient moment is here!

Don't question it. There are so many

more in store for every person

who lives... until it is time that our

individual candle is snuffed

as this sun comes down behind

that line drawn between the sky

and the sea!  Our night will come,

our life's day will be gone

and there will be Dawn.

Who knows where we are reborn?

Oh such is life! Love this sunset!

Clear Way

 I can see the light 

at the end of this tunnel.

It's only a glimmer now

but as I travel through it,

this light will become brighter!

Such relief after a lifetime

of having to deal within a narrow

tunnel and keeping myself

there to reach the other side

of the mountain in between

two valleys. One valley that produces

and does not relent its production role,

the other valley is that of fun and games,

where people live without worrying

about tomorrow or reminiscing on the past.

For these latter inhabitants what counts

is Now... and with the best possible plans

for each day.  Here financial concerns

are kept at bay. Here everything is the best

in the best of possible worlds. It's a living

illusion for anyone who lives there.

They are the residents of a paradise

free of obligations and secure in

the management of their affairs.

Will I get there? The tunnel is showing

the light. I am travelling towards it

as my being reacts with anxious

expectations!  Looking ahead into

Earth's paradise! Living the life

in the Now!!! And only looking ahead

to the next day and the Ever Ever!

A beautiful Sunday

 It began ad hoc. Will you come 

this Sunday to spend time together?

Yes, of course, and my sister too.

Where shall we go? What shall

we do? Just come. Ok, we'll be

there by ten in the morning... and

we did, with time to spare. After our

smiling welcome and meeting who was

there, we had caffellatte, cake and fruit.

Then off to see the local sights. It was

pleasant to chat and admire

the neighbourhood from above the hill

to the sea. New developments abounded

and we drove through local streets

and countryside, ending up visiting

the Briars. What a historical visit!

To the homestead of an early colonial

settler family with connections to Napoleon

Bonaparte when he spent time at St. Helena.

Slowly as each generation unfolded, the early

gifts of a deposed Emperor made their way

to this cottage of Mount Martha in Mornington,

a jewel location by the sea outside of Melbourne,

our city! Then for some gnocchi lunch, made

with loving hands, ... and the rest. There is never

just one plate, you know. Conversations

with stories and remarks, all in good fun,

getting to know each other better and sharing

life's experiences. These enrich our beings.

We refine our own views with others' journeys

through life, forever moving forward

embracing young, adults and older!

Then to the beach under a blue sky

and sunshine blessing the bodies of all

on the sand. A dip in the sea as the waves

gently caress each swimmer, the salty water

cleansing our skins! To top it all up, there was

the glorious sunset that slowly took the Sun

into the night. It was time for home, for a late

light meal while Novak raced to the tennis Cup

by beating a not so in form Nadal, the favourite!

All in good spirit for this Australia Day Celebration

Week Sunday... and as the night recalled Cinderella

from the Dancing Hall, we arrived home. we too had

lost our shoe... a memory that we will chase again

whenever we can. Let the future be my princess

and return to me this beautiful shoe Sunday.

To bring again joy and happiness too.

Such is life in good company.

When together

 How good is it just having dinner in two!

Just chatting, laughing and smiling, sharing

the blessings of food, prepared simply

and effectively. For, as we become older

and look forward into the future, we

realize that Time is precious! When we

don't seem to see a whole lot of years

ahead. Time is also a commodity. Its price

rises when supply becomes more of a rarity!

In fact that individual time gets mixed up

with eternity. So Now is Now. Every

opportunity missed is a missed eventuality.

Enjoy the company; raise the glass for another

cheer, another hoorah! We are still here,

we're like soldiers waiting to do battle.

The waiting can be heavy or it can be

the greatest joy because the new dawn

of battle is tomorrow... and tomorrow

we don't know we're still here! So be merry,

be good, share moments of tranquility at sunset,

dawn and throughout the day. Life is beautiful

when we are together! Let it be! Let's make

it happen as often as we can...

When on my own

 Each one of us has to face the reality

of being 'on your own'. To remain true

to yourself can often lead to a negative

appraisal of 'one's own personality'.

Why so? Because we truly have to face

the fact that we individually can't know

everything. Even what we know is often

faulty, unless we keep on using and doing

the same things. We need to be in form!

Yet one person, the power of one, can do

a lot provided there is an agenda to follow.

This agenda allows us to lead others to assist

us in what we want to do. This is not always

easy; this can only be achieved when the right

people surround us and love and respect

what we do! This is true of friendship too!

We must think positively about the close

times we are together.  To then go our own

individual way! The need for the other,

the bond created in friendship, begins to wane

when common ground is not found or continued.

On the other hand, when a balance is achieved,

the friendship is strengthened and can also

withstand the tyranny of distance or separation.

Looking forward to the next time together

becomes a necessity, the way forward to share

new moments of joy, times of true companionship.

This is so in the medium to long term of a relationship.

For life, an individual life, has particular twists and turns.

These latter come about naturally and cannot be avoided.

It doesn't matter who you are and what you do, the need

for love and affection remains true for you and me and all

of us too. 'Anche una regina ha bisogno di una buona vicina'.

This saying is perhaps the basis for lasting confidence

in our ability to survive and flourish as individuals.

Your smile and mine too

We finally made it to the dancing floor with music

of earlier times. When young, we entwined to our

songs and to the melodies of Italy. We share a great

history in this city that we know so well and love.

Melbourne is for us 'our paese', though we love

the original one too. Both of us with similar interests,

skills and shared activities. There, we are switching

languages, appreciate diversities, loving all whom

we meet around a table in our clubs or anywhere.

We are the adults and children of the Southern Cross,

the ones who smile and are open to the world.

Our Universe loves us for the way we embrace

whoever we meet, anywhere, anytime. Your smile,

our smile irradiate from within: it's genuine and true.

Nothing to fear, my dear. We are one amongst

the many in harmony. With so much in common,

it seems all so natural whether holding hands

on the sand at the beach or admiring flowers in our

outdoors. We blend, we mesh, we give each other

positive energy. Our blessings are many in our

sunset love. Let's not forget that the sun

and the moon protect what we do. True friendship

is after all based on love, on care for each other,

on respect of what we want to do, on freedom

and whom we have become. Our past we cannot deny,

we protect our memories, still love who is no more

but once walked together with you and me. Life's sacred

weapon is love. When you feel it, it swells within. Without

knowing, we reach the highs, the best notes of these songs

as we dance on in life to the tunes of  our favorite bands,

the splashing sounds of water and spas, our activities.

Whilst the sun sets on our horizon, we hope that

there is still plenty of daylight before our night.

Lull in our sails

 It was bound to happen! I detected a lull

in our sails... the winds of opportunity

have subsided. Now we must row our boat

and travel to our ports.  Our destinations

and activities are not clear as we take life

one day at a time. This sense of adventure,

this status quo work with each other and offer

choppy waters on which to sail. It's always fun,

of course, like when we were younger and comfort 

could not find a couch to lay on.

Inside we feel unsure whether we can do all this

and let our trodden path become neglected.

Change is in the air! We know how to deal with it,

but change is change. Something new replaces

something old. Then we feel nostalgia, our previous

life in toll. The price we must pay for our new found

love A friendship requires time set aside. In a busy

schedule, this time is not there naturally. We must

fill the gaps. Does this friendship become just another

chore? It's up to us to keep the flame burning bright.

Even when our surroundings are not ideal, when

we find ourselves in uncomfortable situations.

This is the source of where future oblivion can grow!

Do we know what is truly good for us? All I know,

on my part, is that what I offer you is true. Does this

ring a bell for you? Anche tu cominci a suonare

le tue campane! E' tempo di festa! Sunset Love is here

and it cannot wait. Time to travel in a mutual carriage 

as often as can be! The rest will be what will be!

What a weekend!

 Unexpected as it was, a summer weekend  

at the beach is a bonus. The hot summer day's

invitation to catch the sun, the beach and the sea

becomes a very special time for togetherness,

laughter and fun! A spectacular time whilst enjoying

the balmy weather on the sand, as the sun falls

slowly behind the line of the horizon where sky

meets sea. We watch sunset with gratitude

and witness one of nature's magic moments!

In our busy lives, we don't often partake

in the joy of living by the sea! Lucky are those

who can. Lucky are also those who can accept such

an invitation, if they live in the city! So what else can

we do on such a day? There is the shopping, preparing

meals and having these together. Even tasting

the blackberries that we picked by the roadside!

Loving these types of activities and plenty more

in store, I see! What joy in this experience! True

friendship developing day by day. Also maintaining

this connection, this new time in which Sunset

Love is taking shape since we are sharing so much

together in such a short time! Then back to normal,

to my chosen life to promote languages, peace

and harmony through my poetry, radio and TV.

The right balance I must search, as you do too.

Our life in this third age period is very demanding

in spite of the freedom that we have at hand.

Our bodies need exercise, good food, conversation.

Trying to live a balanced life with our family,

neighbors, friends and the world at large.

Today's connections in our global village is a real

challenge, as we are all together online

and in real life. So a weekend together is what

we needed and had! Thank you for the invitation.

You didn't text me "buona notte, amore"

 Habits and expectations are the gains we make   

when friendship grows! So used to connecting

with you, expecting to see you soon. Unsure

whether you would be there for me. But after

spending time together and lately enjoying

everything that we do, be it dancing or going

to watch a movie, a lunch at Blu, watching

and helping you make panzerotti and crispelle,

tasting these hot, walking in a neighboring big park,

appreciating the greenery, stopping under hundred

year old trees, wanting to go here and there.

So much in such a short time, like a storm or in

the rain when we think they are not going to stop.

Then sunshine arrives. We are ready for a break.

We go our own way, We want our own company

and do what we want to do, but savouring already

the next time together. Now it's our time, it's back

to our old routine. Our family and friends have

noticed our absence, our not being as assiduous

as usual with calls and visits. We can't create more time,

we have to manage what we have of this invaluable

commodity! Tonight I noticed after our short weekend

together that texting and connecting seemed superfluous!

In our heart we know that we are there for each other.

We need to verbalize. No need for FOMO. Our friendship

is now strong. A bond made to last as we walk

in the sunset of our years. As we watch that horizon

between sky and sea, together as companions. How

fortunate we are to have grown in confidence and trust.

Insecurities set aside. We know that we must remain

in this state of togetherness, whilst enjoying our own

freedom. This is what life should perhaps be. A Sunset Love

between you and me! Just thinking of you in the middle

of my night since you didn't text me 'buona notte, amore'.

Tomorrow is another day.

A few days ago it was just you and me in hot

weather by the sea. Now back to normality

and do what we must do. You are looking after

family and visitors from overseas. For me it's

schools, libraries, languages, students, teachers

and customers who come to see me. But also

keeping myself busy in the warehouse, doing

my radio and TV work, seeing my musical

and singing friends. What a set of activity!

Loving all this and yet having to also keep

abreast of family, relatives and friends. Let's

not forget the walk, exercise, seeing health

professionals and my writing and typing too.

What about the orders, business, requests

and trade connections? All in all behaving

and living as if the Universe is giving me time

to keep it altogether for as long as it can be!

So that we can repeat those beautiful together

times by the sea and anywhere else that we

choose to be! Loving the texting, video calling

and making plans for the next dance, or movie

or to be with friends. Enough of this now! Shall

we go to dance this coming Thursday? Who

knows? That's tomorrow. Tomorrow, you see,

is another day. Oh yes, but tomorrow I am

picking up my dancing shoes. Will I ? Will they 

be ready? Can or will you make it? These plans

are only plans. The answers are in our Book of Life!

And this latter we cannot read today! Ah the past...

that's another story. The Past is ours to keep.

Whichever way you look at it, today is now

and Now we must live and love! Let's do it, amore!

Then realizing that all this house of cards, can

come tumbling down when someone switches off

my light, like the sun at night! It's all really a part of

our humanity: to be here today and gone tomorrow.

Shall we fall in a heap? Or play by the rules of

the Universe where all is transient and forever

in movement. All things come and go. They also

fall apart and renew. What can we do? The answer

is simple, as my friend Silvana pointed out. Live in

the Now. Don't think of Tomorrow. All Life is in

the present, today, and every day is today!

So enjoy the moment, keeping the future at bay

and the past in tow. My answer instead is this,

trilogy of Present, Future and Past as a guide.

Be creative every day. Love the moment.

Share what we can and keep it altogether 

for me, you, society and the world too!

Now

 On my own and in the Now without your company

seems like another world, another time! Your

absence is present, painfully. Yet I know that you're

OK with friends and family. Working at my chosen

activity, with the wind blowing slowly and my boat

rowing steadily. It all seems so peacefully as the hot

wind blows and your text arrives unexpectedly!

You are Bar hopping, having a great time with your

visitors. C'est la vie. Each one of us has a life's journey

on which we travel happily, if in good company.

But what do I do now that I miss you? Then realize that

a break, a little distance, time to ourselves are all good

indicators of our freedom. And liberty, our freedom,

makes us grow in self confidence. In this I still have

some road to travel. You have been the instrument

of change and reflection on what life is truly all about.

Your spirituality has impacted on your being and it

shines bright for me! Let's say that this interlude

between our meetings are healthy. Let them be

a positive influence on our strong friendship. Going

forward seems now easy, even when you are away

from me! A certain peace invades within to savour life

as it should be. So even Now that I am on my own, I look

outside towards the sky and know that out there, there is

someone special, someone dear, someone to whom

I can say: 'buona notte, amore mio." 

Continua l'ispirazione

Ti ho detto quando ti ho incontrata che tu eri

la mia nuova ispirazione. Ed in poco tempo lo sei

diventata veramente. Forse perche' ormai siamo

nel paradiso della terza eta'. E si', perche' noi abbiamo

vissuto davvero ed abbiamo avuto una vita armoniosa

in un Paese che e' stato un grande aiuto per la nostra

crescita umana, per la nuova lingua che abbiamo imparato

ed usata. Noi siamo un prodotto di questa societa'

multiculturale, dove tutti o quasi tutti provengono

da altri Paesi. Ed anche il popolo indigeno di questa Nazione

Continente e' ormai al volo e ci fanno sentire realmente

umani.  Perche' finalmente tutti sappiamo che viviamo

sotto la Stella del Sud. Qui, nella Terra del Dreamtime,

i nostri sogni si realizzano se veramente lo vogliamo.

Qui ci troviamo a casa nostra perche' qui e' dove abbiamo

passato una vita con la scuola, il lavoro, la gioventu',

la famiglia e gli amici in piste da ballo, a picnic o facendo

sport! Adesso che ci siamo ritrovati e' come se fossimo

tornati  un'altra volta giovani. L'eta' non conta perche' a noi

importa l'amicizia, la compagnia, un vero rapporto fatto

di tante attivita' ed uscite, di solide conversazioni, di amor

e rispetto reciproco. Per questo l'ispirazione continua e chissa'

dove arrivera'! Il nostro Sunset Love sta emergendo dal fondo

dell'animo, come una ghianda che poi si fa quercia! E tutto 

intorno a noi e' diventato adulto perche' lo siamo davvero.

Ma portiamo la gioventu' nel cuore come un fiore all'occhiello.

Pur sapendo che i nostri ricordi sono ormai proprio quelli

del nostro passato e nessuno li potra' cancellare. Pero'  del tempo

che rimane, noi lo sappiamo, se lo vogliamo farne un nuovo capitolo

come se cominciassimo di nuovo un altro viaggio della vita.

E si', perche' adesso siamo gia' su questo treno, insieme.

Yesterday I did not write you a poem

 When other commitments take over, our togetherness 

falls apart! No texting, no video calling, just distance and each 

on our own, with our own individual time dedicated to other

day to day things! Whether family, visitors or tourists, plain work

or hobbies diversions. Our beloved time dedicated to each other

seems to have vanished in this air or floating above the clouds.

What can we do to overcome such situations? Well, nothing really.

We are both in love with freedom and to choose or do what we want.

A balance of opposing forces needs to be in place, otherwise our rails

will go in different directions for too long a time, in spite of ourselves.

But, you know, our hearts are now in tune. We feel the pain of being

apart for too long, We need to be in each other's company. In this

we find joy, happiness and love. Just looking at your smile or see

the brightness of your eyes when you look at me. I hope it is the same

for you when you do the same and try to read me, when you look

at me with interest and curiosity. Soon it will be Saint Valentine's Day.

A time for lovers the world over. Our Sunset Love is in full bloom and it is

filled with red roses , even if we don't pick any from the bushes! For we love

nature and the fresh air, the environment as it should be, the trees, flowers 

and grass everywhere we walk and listen to birds chirping. Sometimes we see 

lizards and butterflies, small Australian fauna rustling amongst the leaves 

or cocooned in the trunks of centennial trees. But today I did not write you

a poem. I hope that this explanation will do! Loving you. 

A missed meeting

 What a disappointment to have missed our meeting 

on such a splendid day! It was a real challenge coming

to you for the traffic was horrendous, the roads were

closed in certain parts and parking far away did not help.

But to top it all up, our phones ran out of battery! So no

communication possible. Only last minute directions. I did

get there but then did not stop and wait. You were there

where you said you would be! But I did not see you under

that tree. So I walked to the Arts Centre and went to charge

my phone. I spoke to you again and this phone call was too brief.

No battery again... you cut off... I thought you said ;'I am going

home!  And your phone went dead. I thought she must be

very tired waiting so long...Instead you only said; ' I am not

moving from here." That was the agreed to place for our

meeting! I walked to my car and looked at the Myer Music

Bowl from afar... but decided to keep going straight to my car.

Little did I know that you were waiting for me!!!  How do I take

such a missed opportunity to meet you? You did ring me

and said: "My mobile phone is dead! The battery is flat. It doesn't

get charged as usual from my energy point in the car! I won't be

able to ring you. I am calling you from my friend's place. I won't be

able to contact you for two or three days!" What is happening?

Why all this negativity all of a sudden? Is this a challenge from Above

or the vibes of people near us? Our Sunset Love is strong. You are there 

for me and I am here for you. Tomorrow is another day. Missing you!

Our individuality and us

 We both love our free, recluse time. Doing our own

things with joy. We have become accustomed to our

own company, as it should be. This friendship has

arrived and now we both get the urge to talk and chat.

It's a pleasant way to break the silence, to connect

and listen to our heartbeats. What are they telling us?

We hear the sounds of life pulsating each moment

as if it is forever. Then we think, actually we know,

that each moment is precious and can be the very

last breath we take! With this in the back of our mind

and the bottom of our heart, trust in the future is nullified.

We live in the Now because this we can trust, this we know.

Experiencing small portions of time as planned

in the moment for a day, even a few days at a time,

but no more than this. Occasionally we think of the longer

term and we do make some plans for our travels

and the bigger family or friends festive, celebratory dates.

These are the only sign posts for our future as time

knocks on our door each day and encourages us to live,

to keep these hours light and breezy! With our bodies

in direct line of the winds from the sea. Will 'our time'

be protected by the whims of our individuality? Or will it

blow strong or calm according to what we have to do?

The answers are confusing sometimes and we detect 

a certain unease. It's because we haven't texted or video 

called enough! Missing our meeting has thrown a spanner

in our works. But we shall overcome this and be glad

for the experience! A small door was closed and a bigger

one opens in front of our very eyes. It's up to us to ensure

that we stay focused on each other. Giving ourselves more

time together to share so much more that life offers every

day as we move forward. Moreover together watch those

sunsets on the beach after a dip in the sea. Swimming happily

while the waves gather momentum for their contact

with sand on our patch of seashore. Now let me look

at the sun in your eyes. What a sight!

I was wondering...

How about a game of cards or just going

on a picnic? St. Valentine's Day deserves

a special treat. Our planned dancing evening

should give us real joy on the dancing floor.

It's good to dream and make plans, but it is

even better when we don't... to let things just

happen as we move along. Less pressure

and more excitement in our day-to-day.

We're now in tune and even if we miss

a time together... let's hope not! For our

togetherness needs a clear way and a joyful

time! Whether on the banks of a river, under

a willow tree, sitting on a park bench with a picnic

basket, conversing happily about sweet nothings.

Keeping it all 'light and breezy' is truly the way

to happiness. This I have learnt from you and,

as you know, I am a good student too! Now don't

be late with your text, for I am waiting and wondering 

what shall we do next! Daily life continues as it should,

but these interludes with you are the special treat, 

the icing on the cake, the chocolate bacio in which 

we find that message of love! So it is St Valentine 

Day tomorrow... looking forward to un abbraccio,  

un bacio ed una carezza, amore

St. Valentine Day 2019

 Today we celebrate Lovers Day the world over. 

It's the current feeling of joy towards someone

we want to be with and hold tight. But a mixed set

of emotions are playing in my heart, as I remember

my life's long partner. So many Valentine cards, gifts

and poems, so much true care for her.. my love,

my wife who is no more, except in my heart, as I

move on. It is now a memory for me as it is for you

thinking of him, your love, your husband, too!

Do we celebrate this St. Valentine? Of course,

we do! For we are still here. The sun rises and falls

each day, all around the world keeps going as if there

is no tomorrow! Life is still frantic, life wants us to live.

So Happy St. Valentine, my love, my new love gifted

from Above for our Sunset Years! But we cannot think

of years, not even tomorrow! Because we know

and appreciate just how transient life can be. Today

is Now. The time we have. So let's celebrate this day

together, let's meet and dance! We leave our memories 

of our past love and move forward living a new chapter

of life. Loving you redeems our Love within and resurrects 

our hopes for new companionship. Let's be cheerful and raise  

our glasses to this St. Valentine Day. Let's celebrate and love 

each moment together. Oh my Saint Valentine Silvana!

Freedom

 A precious gift to have and to hold. Knowing the balance

and keeping it inside to safeguard the time we give ourselves

and others! A friendship can sometimes be too close for comfort

and we realize that we need time to breathe on our own!

Doing what we want, keeping company at bay, but not for

too long! That's the real secret of long lasting friendship...

and companionship. So maybe it's time to call in an interval

and check  the need to see each other. Who knows? This tactic

can work in mysterious ways... like a holiday overseas where

real distance determines the path we individually take. The times

we met gave inspiration a go. But now, maybe, a new chapter

begins as the one we have had has seen the sun set into the night!

Who knows how the New Dawn will emerge and whether the day

will still favor a close togetherness. After all, freedom is in our veins

and we must have it to keep truly alive. Love does not die but it needs

oxygen to stay with us inside. So our time, this time, has been a good

friend, showing the way forward and do what we must do in the Now

for each day! Loving you is holding you close at heart without

expectations and with gratitude for each activity enjoyed together.

My poetry will take a break whilst the sun sleeps peacefully at night!

A new day with sunrise can emerge as inspiration renews.  Such is

the cycle of our living and our love in togetherness and freedom!

Butterfly

 Watch a butterfly, lightly going from flower to flower,

bush to bush, gliding through the air. Just like you want

to do with your life in the Now. Being free is essential

for this existential treat that is your way of living. I like

butterflies in their natural environment and that's where

they should be allowed to stay. Don't interfere, don't go

there with your net. You will only kill the beauty that you see.

Learn to stay away and maybe that special butterfly may just

sometimes come to visit you! Wait and live your normal

every day as free as you choose. But, maybe, I too want

to be like that butterfly that I see. It's the symbol of a happy, 

carefree, natural being. We all need this philosophy. 

We all must stand up for our own individual desires in liberty!

Sometimes we may touch base by visiting each other's

air space. For now we realize that this trajectory can

only be shared if we are both ready to let it be. A butterfly,

all butterflies are a wonder to see in their coloured dresses

as they fly where  they want. Please respect their choices

and leave them in their habitat. That's where they should be!

From the Author

Giacomo Leopardi inspired me to write this Book on 'Sunset Love'. He was inspired by a young woman across the street from him when he wrote his famous poem 'A Silvia". I was looking for a name close to Silvia to be the main character in my book on third age love and I found it... I wanted to pick up on the theme of love and explore in greater detail the various manifestations of this very complex and yet simple sentiment. The episodes of this book are fictional in nature but relate to some real life personal experiences of mine and of people whom I met after the love of my life, my wife, died too early at the beginning of my own third age. No reference is made to anyone single individual. However I did write the poems as if my ideal person for friendship, companionship and love combined well in my quest for love in my sunset years. A love that is much more than a simple physical relationship. The main character in this book, Silvana in this series of episodes, gave me the opportunity to appreciate the suave manner, her shining eyes and captivating smile which continued to prod me along with my writing. She mesmerized me just like Silvia who gave Italian literature one of its greatest love poems! But unlike Leopardi's Silvia, may Padula's Silvana give our third age readers hope for fortune in finding their own sunset love! To all who are in their sunset years and are on their own because of failed relationships or sickness or death, the quest for love remains intact. I hope that you, the reader, enjoy these 'poems' as much as I have done writing them. Tom Padula - Melbourne, October 2019