bows of happiness

“Three things remain to us from paradise: Stars, flowers, and children.”

This enchanting statement is often attributed to Dante Alighieri; I regret to say that no evidence supports this.  So rather than waste time grappling amongst a thousand footnotes for the truth let’s agree that the very talented Anon. wrote it.

It came to mind because of Sophie’s arrival across the canal from us on January 4.  I don’t know her; I haven’t seen (and, strange to say, haven’t even heard) her.  I only know that she’s a new neighbor and she has brought joy with her.

So in the spirit of Anon.’s poetic observation, here are a few glimpses over the years of these particular remnants of paradise scattered around here.  Flowers and stars will follow.

CHILDREN

I’m always on the lookout for the welcome ribbons.  Pink for girls, blue for boys, as you know.  They always make me feel a bounce of hope.

INTERLUDE: A summer stroll around Pellestrina, August 7, 2022.   I was there on a typically sweltering summer Sunday to watch the annual local Venetian rowing races.  With at least two hours to spare, I had plenty of time to lollygag.  This was not at all my first time to this lagoon outpost of some 3,000 souls, so I wasn’t expecting surprises.

But surprised I was, to discover that the Stork had been working overtime.  The number of ribbons I found tied to so many houses seemed almost like some sort of game.  I won’t hazard any theories as to why a regiment of births had marched through this modest municipality in early August, though I’d like to know what had happened during the preceding November.  Massive power outage — no TV but lots of candles?  A village-wide festival of wine or grappa that got out of hand?  Did a whole cohort make some crazy bet?  Is it a cult?  Articles continually come out lamenting Italy’s falling birth rate.  Maybe they should come to Pellestrina and test the water?

Years ago I read a little report in the Gazzettino.  The parish priest of Pellestrina — I’m pretty sure that’s where he was — had just happily celebrated the baptism of a new arrival.  And he asked, “Why do we ring the church bells only when someone dies? We ought to ring them too when a baby is born.”

He’s not wrong.