FOR NESSA

left the windows open,
and from inside,
I hear the little girl
pounding, pounding on the
dirty sheets
ten times her size.
she beat the filth away
with a wooden club
made solely for
this purpose., this ritual
of little girls,
handed down by dead mothers,
they must learn
how to crush innocence
to get to the grime,
the malice that
hides deep
clings hard
to thread and skin,

the mothers said
what do you need
of this innocence,
just a brand-new sheet,
better break it in yourself
before the others get to it,
their soot feels fine
on top of yours.

the pounding,
slowly becomes
a muted song
tender to her ears
notes she carry
with her

to old age

THE LITTLE GIRL POUNDING
10iii04

THE RO

Last Saturday, Bailey, Ro, Giody and I trooped to see the show Ro's girls were putting on for the Settimana dello Sport in Parco Treno! It was raining and it was on the other side of Milan, but heck, we call ourselves 'troopers' and we are just that! So we braved the weather and the distance and were delighted to see Roland all caught up, excited and contented! Bravi!!!

GIODY A MILANO!!!

One of the closest friends I've got here came to visit me in Milan! Just in time for the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the Notte Bianca. We saw the movie Eleven Men OUt, (which sucked real bad!!!) and we didn't go to the Notte Bianca...But with Roland and Bailey , we did invade Billy's and danced all night until six a.m.! Thanks for the great weekend, guys!!! (Sorellina, un abbraccio!!!)

Birthdays in France

ONE OF THE BEST BIRTHDAY TRIPS EVER!!!

DOMENICA A PIACENZA

A tranquil weekend spent at Pier's in Piacenza is always more than a treat - it's a much-needed break from all the chaos during the week. Special thanks to his niece, Gloria - one of the most gorgeous tots I've ever seen in my life - she is the just the perfect subject and she always comes out great in photos!