Ode to Elena
Behind tall green gates
near the azure sea
Elena met us at her grandfather’s villa -
all smiles and welcome
With the sounds of donkeys braying
And the subtle crash of waves in the warm air.
Villa Leoni.
A paradise hidden in the Sardinian hills
in the lovely September light
and Elena opening the doors
to an enchanted home of
tall windows and warm stone.
Light filled the rooms that still
held the love of her family over the years.
Elena showed us the stone terrace
where her family grilled fresh fish -
cool under grape-laden arbors.
She introduced us to the tiny gray and white cats
and explained how to walk down a private path
to a beach with gleaming white sand
and clear, blue water.
Sardinia - her beloved island.
With pride she gave us a tour of her home,
explanations laced with laughter and love
And later, she texted
ideas for restaurants, beaches
And nearby towns to explore
And before we left, an invitation to the local hotel
Where she works
To drink crisp, clear white wine and eat
The local cheeses under a golden sky
Elena - epitome of good hosts:
Kind, funny, helpful, enthusiastic,
the essence of “la dolce vita!”
She is our favorite host!