Day 3: Bassano del Grappa

Coffee with sugar.

Just the right amount in a local ceramic cup. The lip is the perfect width for mine, balancing in my fingertips like the potter knew I'd be the one to hold it. Like I'd be the one to sit outside, to drink in the cold air and chase it with a dose of this dark earthy puddle -- its steam sending smoke signals to heaven, saying, "I'm down here, but don't need rescuing quite yet."