Orvieto

The ring is coming, that command,
the bell that reminds an entire town
of plans and obligations, clear through
the October air. Except that this is Italy,
Orvieto, where urgency is out of fashion.
Only the tourist at the top of the tower,
busy capturing the Duomo posing at sunset,
will jump and jostle at the announcement
of the hour. I have a heavy key in my pocket
from a hotel two towns away that I should
have left at the front desk. The train won't wait,
but there is always another one.