I wrote this for my friend, Toni, who is from this lovely place. She gave me photos and requested a poem.

I am mountain and valley,
I am ancient of years,
and as young as springtime.
My ruins of ancient days,
where trodden stony stairs
of those long gone have tred.
Ruins that gaze from on high,
to verdent valley, green below.
My children come home to me,
from far across the sea,
to be enfolded in family arms
and renew their heritage here.
I am a precious ancient gem
in the crown of Italy.
A fountain flows with life
to honor those who died.
Come walk these olden paths,
and gaze on high of ruins old.
Feast on old world recipes.
Be filled with love of family.
Rest at evening sun that sets,
be young again at dawn.
For I, Gessopalena, am beauty beyond compare.
The Queen of Italy!