“Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life,” wrote poet Anna Akhmatova, and I agree– I know that Civitella will keep returning to me. It has nourished the soul of my work and created a reservoir filled with rolling hills, long dinners, and September light that I will draw upon in more difficult seasons. How grateful to have loved and lived during these six weeks. I am returning home with my bags full of poems, honey, olive oil, and newfound courage. Thank you, Civitella.