Bibliobella's "Amore Mio"

When Bibliobella turned 29
the villagers whispered Old Maid behind
her back, too cowardly to look into
her eyes and say it to her face. But, she
knew the secrets of the seasons. She knew
what herbs to use during childbirth. They've seen
her look at the moon like an accomplice.
They feared, yet were grateful for her whispers.
She lived resigned to knowledge and wisdom.

Paolo tended monastery grounds
pruning each tree as if it was a gift
wrapped in ribbons of sunlight. Bella first
saw him touching the leaves of a basil
plant reverently. He smelled hazelnuts
she hid in her pockets before he saw
her shadow, which moved when he noticed
a couple squirrels run past him. When they stood
separated by a row of basil
Bella saw eyes incomparably dark.
He placed a leaf in each palm. He cupped his
hands as if to hold a bowl. She bent her
head slowly and entered his pool of scent.
She murmured his name in three syllables.

They shared the arts of colors and stillness.
They shared their prayers, their herbs, and their essence.

When the Inquisition burned Bella's books
and forbade the villagers to ask her
for assistance, Bella ran to a row
of rocks. She started to recite a poem
three times in three different languages.
If she had finished her heart would have turned
over to pure revenge. Paolo sensed
this doom and drew birds flying in circles
to distract her. Embarrassed, sad, she ran
destined to live each moment as her last.