Rome

I wander where emperors once shouted

and fountains spill secrets louder than my heartbeat.

The Colosseum winks at me,

its arches holding centuries of courage and lust.

Gelato melts on my fingers,

like slow confessions of desire.

Trastevere streets curl around my ankles,

and I laugh because even the shadows flirt.

Saint Peter gazes from his marble throne,

reminding me that faith can be playful,

that love can be bold and messy.

Every piazza calls me to pause, to spin,

to sip espresso, to kiss sunlight off my skin,

to feel alive, ancient, immortal,

all at once, in this city that dares me

to dance with history, taste my hunger,

be fearless, be fiery, be fully here.