Descent into Orta San Giulio from the Sacro Monte di Orta Winter trees bide they gate Orta’s Sacro Monte pathway, branches, bared to pale bark, lift death’s face. Lean Francesco, in stone, overlooks. His stick-crucifix held in cold air. A first step it takes many to sound out Francesco’s words chiseled at Chapel VI, “go dear ones…announce peace and penance… be patient…bless and thank everyone,” just up Viale Frate Vento, the Avenue of Brother Wind. Though I falter in penance, peace mumbled beyond me, I walk back down a stony path with loosened heart humming every one.
Retired librarian Alan Bern is an award-winning author with three books of poetry and has a hybrid memoir forthcoming from UNCOLLECTED PRESS. He is an exhibited/published photographer and performs with dancer/choreograhper Lucinda Weaver and with musicians from Composing Together. Lines & Faces, his press with artist/printer Robert Woods, linesandfaces.com.
Amethyst Review 