been a good while
since he came up to Rome
from Campo Basso in '44,
an able young man of 32.
carries the years in his eyes
as he indicates with his chin - out there.
recalling for me many rolling fields,
now blanketed in suburbia.
76 and working every day.
over the 49 years he has taxied.
vehicles and times changed.
he drove me well.
paid and thanked him,
said it was a good to ride.
he restored belief there is good among us.
in parting we wished each other well.
