Positano

Narrow winding road brings you to the town

hanging from the curves of a mountainside.

Waves splashing off rocks of dark sepia brown

animating a view recognized worldwide

Take a vacation on sheer mountain cliffs

where villas are built for pure pleasure.

Climb the narrow steps to seek out rare gifts

to expand village charm with each treasure

Positano, scenic Italian dream,

awash in sapphire skies,

Mediterranean seas, coffee with cream,

temptations of food and drink to fulfill every desire

If you are inspired by these visions

Hurry up and make your reservations.

There is something in the town that inspires even the most amateur poet to praise the experience in verse, with a deep desire to return again. Of all the cities I visited during my Italian vacation, Positano, most captured my imagination. Traditions say it was founded as a refuge from pirates, or by the god Poseidon as a present to a nymph, or as a shrine where a statue of the Virgin Mary saved travelers from a fierce storm. This mixture of truth and legend provides an added charm to the area and has been a getaway for writers and artists for years.  John Steinbeck, wrote in Harper's that "it is a dream place that isn't quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone."