That Dinner in Venice

That Dinner in Venice

 The question that started it rolling,
 Was, “If I would care to recall,
 A most notable dining experience,
 That I could relate to them all.”

 It was when touring Venice together
 We detoured to see where Mozart stayed.
 At the end of which time we wanted to dine,
 So down alleys and canals we strayed.

 At length a staircase we encountered
 With a doorway illumined below,
 And down to the chattering ambience
 We went enticed by the glow.

 We opened the door to meet silence,
 Every eye in the room met our gaze,
 Standing with knapsacks and fanny-packs,
 No other tourists in the place.

 We had stumbled on a local's diner
 For a moment no sound could be heard,
 Then a little old lady assessing the status
 Broke through the ice with a word.

 From her counter she snatched up a bottle,
 She beckoned to us and said,“Come,”
 “Come, come!” and lead us to a table,
 Slapped down the wine and begun.

 “Due” she smiled, and the crowd talked
 “Due,” she said  “You are two.”
 “I have spaghetti for this one
 And I have Ravioli for you.”

 And we ate, and the food was exquisite,
 Not embellished, just plain wholesome fare,
 Which we'll long remember, and admonish you,
 To do likewise should you venture there.