Analysis of Luigi'S ring

Quite suddenly, this last week-end
I had to fly to Rome
A city of which I’m very fond
And once considered home.
I’d had a call from Rosa
A lady that I’d known
When I was young and foolish
Abroad and all alone.
We’d drifted close together
And I almost burnt my sails
But overcome with hiraeth
I’d returned to Wales.
Luigi’s lovely daughter
Was very near her end
When settling her affairs, it seemed
She’d thought of her old friend.
The purpose of her phone call
Was just to say goodbye
But the sadness of the moment
Caused me to pipe my eye.
I flew out that same afternoon
But when I got to Rome
The window shutters were all closed
At her Via Veneto home.
Rosa had departed
A moment of great grief
And the keepsake that she’d left for me
Was quite beyond belief.
It was her dad Luigi’s ring
Which I had oft admired
And with it was a little note
Penned by a hand so tired.
“Per favour ricordati di me”
And then she dropped her quill
Translated –“Please remember me”
Oh Rosa dear – I will.

Alan Parry-Booth    19.07.13