Ponderable Quote: The Final Proclamation of SG King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies to His Neapolitan Subjects

Servant of God King Francesco II
of the Two Sicilies (1836-1894)

On September 5, 1860, King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies left Naples for Gaeta as the invading forces of Garibaldi approached the capital. Before leaving, the King issued a final proclamation to his Neapolitan subjects:

"People of Naples:Of all of the duties demanded of a monarch, those performed in times of adversity are the most difficult and solemn, and I intend to carry them out in a manner and spirit befitting a descendant of so long a line of kings .... Regretfully, I must now leave Naples. An unjust war, one which was not wanted by the people, has overrun my kingdom, despite the fact that I was at peace with all of the European powers .... My paramount concern now is to protect this illustrious city, ... to protect its people from ruin and war, to safeguard its inhabitants and their possessions, the holy temples, the monuments, the public buildings, the art galleries, and everything else that constitutes the patrimony of its civilization and greatness, which, belonging to future generations, must not be sacrificed to transitory passions of the moment .... 

"War is approaching the walls of the city; and it is with ineffable sadness that I leave .... I commend the devotion of the ministry ... and I call upon the honor and civic sense of the mayor of Naples and the commander of the police to spare our beloved city the horrors of internal disturbances .... 

"As a descendant of a dynasty that has ruled over this kingdom for 126 years, after having saved it from the prolonged miseries of the viceregal government, my affections remain here. I am a Neapolitan; and cannot bid farewell to my beloved people, my compatriots, without bitter grief. 

"Whatever my destiny may be, I will always cherish for them a lasting and affectionate memory. I recommend to them peace and concord and observance of their duties as citizens. Let not an immoderate attachment for my crown become a source of turbulence. If the course of the present war should lead me back among you, or if on some future day it may please God to restore me to the throne of my ancestors, rendered more splendid by the free institutions with which I have endowed it, what I most fervently pray for is to find my people united, strong, and happy."

* Reprinted from Modern Naples: A documentary history, 1799-1999 by John Santore, Italica Press, 2001, pp. 174-175

An Unexpected Celebration at Work

My makeshift shrine at home

Needless to say, sharing a table of traditional Sicilian fare with co-workers in celebration of the Feast of Santa Rosalia was an unexpected, but most welcome blessing. Breaking bread, we closed shop for a while and enjoyed an intimate meal of spiedini, arancini, and maccheroni alla Norma—each bite evoking the savory flavors of Sicily. More than just a meal, it was a gesture of faith, fellowship, and culture. For a moment, the workplace became a family table, where stories, laughter, and flavors intertwined in honor of Palermo’s beloved patroness. Evviva la Santuzza!

Arancini

Spiedini

Maccheroni alla Norma

They Ruined It

Among my friends, it’s a running joke that I think everything has been ruined—intellectual properties, institutions, pastimes, et cetera. “They ruined it” has basically become my catchphrase. So when they asked how the Mets game I attended was, they already knew the answer.

Growing up, I went to more sporting events than I can count: Jets, Giants, Yankees, Mets, Cosmos, Rangers, Knicks. Even the Cyclones and Metrostars made the list. But over time, I lost interest in American sports altogether; the commercialization, sanitization, and ideological weaponization of the games ruined them for me.

To give you an idea of how out of touch I am, I only just learned at the park that there’s now a pitch clock and a designated hitter in the National League?! My attention has long since wandered elsewhere. These days, I follow only European football, above all Napoli, and, whenever I can, the occasional amateur contests, including la joute nautique, scherma, and the colorful pali and regattas of Italy.

Still, I broke my moratorium and went to Citi Field with my family. I wasn’t there for the Mets, but for the company. What my father and uncles could once afford on a regular basis for us kids—tickets, parking, food, souvenirs—is now financially impossible to replicate.

The decline showed itself even before we got inside. In the parking lot, security said no tailgating—not even tossing a football around. This was so alien to me, I thought they were kidding. They weren’t.

My first time inside Citi Field, I’ll admit the stadium itself was impressive. But the next sign of decline hit me at the concession stands. Whatever happened to peanuts, Cracker Jack, hot dogs, pretzels, cotton candy, beer, and soda? Now it’s Fiesta burgers, General Tso’s chicken, fondue, sushi, curry patties—you name it. It was all a little too effete for my taste.

It wasn't over there. The nonstop blare from the sound system and giant videoboard was relentless. Incessant gimmicks—games of chance, dance routines, music, fan cams—distracted from the actual game. Worst of all was the manufactured crowd energy: instructions telling people when to cheer, like Pavlovian cues. There was something vaguely Orwellian about it all.

Not everything was bad. A few charms remained: Mr. and Mrs. Met taking photos with kids, hearing about the “Grimace Seat” in right-field, and, of course, seeing the iconic red apple rise after a Mets home run. But even these couldn’t disguise how overproduced and dumbed-down the whole experience has become.

Happily, the Mets won. If nothing else, I hope the kids will look back and fondly remember their old uncle and their fathers at the ballpark, the way I do mine.

~ By Giovanni di Napoli, September 3rd, Feast of St. Pius X

King

Going through family photos, I found a picture of me with our old dog King. It brought back a flood of memories—among them, King bounding at my side, his bark echoing down the block, the devotion that made him family—and with it, my first encounter with anti-Italian hatred.

Our block was mostly Italian, but there were Irish, Germans, Greeks, and Albanians, too. We generally got along; despite rivalries and the occasional fight, there was a quiet respect and community bond that came from living shoulder to shoulder.

One evening, a drunk staggered into our open doorway—back when people in New York City still left their doors unlocked. His eyes were glazed, his speech slurred. He kept demanding to see a “guinea!” That was the first time I heard that slur.

My father stayed calm. He didn’t shout or threaten. He simply said, evenly, “I’ll get one for you.” Then he called for King, our German Shepherd.

To us kids, King was more than a dog; he was a protector and friend. To my father, he was a weapon kept in reserve. At the sound of his name, King surged forward, all muscle and teeth, growling with a ferocity no man could fake. The intruder’s bravado vanished. He staggered back, wide-eyed, as King lunged at him with terrifying force.

His screams, rivaling my mother’s frightened cries, turned from mockery to panic. He tried to flee, but King had him. My father wrestled to pull the dog off, straining at the collar. For a moment, I thought King might kill him. Finally, the drunk tore free and scurried into the night—bloodied, clothes ripped, reeking of fear (and worse).

That night, I learned two things: hatred can come to your doorstep without warning. And we weren't defenseless—not with King, and not with my father, whose quiet authority stood guard over us.

~ By Giovanni di Napoli, September 2nd, Feast of the Holy Martyrs of September

Photo of the Week: San Rocco by Domenico Guarino in the Chiesa di Sant'Antonio, Pomarico, Matera

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Our Lady of Siluva at the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan, New Jersey

Simple Pleasures: A Blessed Morning

My Labor Day Monday began in the quiet hours before most had risen, when the streets still belonged to the early birds as the first light kissed the earth. Beneath a vibrant mackerel sky, the warmth of the sun on my skin and the cool wind on my face were small blessings from God.

The morning unfolded with an espresso and fresh cornetto at my local caffè, where I chatted with the barista about the weekend’s Serie A matches. From there, I stopped by the bakery for warm bread, the cheese shop for fresh mozzarella, and finally the salumeria for olives, peppers, and other antipasti to share later at our family luncheon. Along the way, I greeted familiar faces, exchanged pleasantries, and was reminded that life’s richest joys are often the simplest.

God Bless you all, Happy Labor Day.

Saint of the Day for September

(L-R) Santa Rosalia, San Gennaro, and The Madonna Addolorata

September is traditionally dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, whose feast is celebrated on September 15th.

• The first Sunday of September is the Feast Day of the Madonna Nera del Sacro Monte

• The second Sunday of September is the Feast of Santa Fortunata

• September 1 — Buon Capodanno Bizantino 

• September 1 — Feast of Sant’Egidio 

• September 2 — Feast of the Holy Martyrs of September 

• September 3 — Feast of St. Pius X 

• September 4 — Feast of Santa Rosalia 

• September 4 — Feast of Santa Candida di Napoli 

• September 7 — Feast of Santa Regina

• September 8 — Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

• September 8 — Feast of the Madonna del Tindari 

• September 8 — Feast of the Madonna of Piedigrotta 

• September 8 — Feast of the Madonna di Ripalta 

• September 8 — Feast of the Madonna dei Martiri 

• September 8 — Feast of the Madonna della Stella 

• September 8 — Feast of Our Lady of Covadonga

• September 9 — Feast of San Gorgonio 

• September 10 — Feast of St. Nicolas Tolentino 

• September 10 — Novena to San Gennaro 

• September 10 — Feast of St. Pulcheria

• September 11 — Novena to Sant’Eustachio 

• September 11 — A Prayer for the Victims of 9/11

• September 12 — Feast of the Holy Name of Mary 

• September 12 — Feast of the Madonna del Lauro 

• September 12 — Feast of the Madonna di Montevergine 

• September 14 — Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 

• September 15 — Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Madonna Addolorata 

• September 16 — Feast of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian 

• September 17 — Feast of San Benedetto il Moro

• September 17 — Feast of the Stigmata of San Francesco d’Assisi 

• September 18 — Feast of San Sabino 

• September 19 — Feast of San Gennaro 

• September 19 — Feast of Our Lady of La Salette 

• September 20 — Feast of Santa Candida 

• September 20 — Feast of Sant’Eustachio Martire 

• September 21 — Feast of San Matteo 

• September 22 — Feast of St. Maurice and Companions 

• September 23 — Feast of Padre Pio 

• September 24 — Feast of the Madonna della Misericordia 

• September 24 — Novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux

• September 25 — Feast of San Firmino di Amiens 

• September 26 — Feast of San Nilo di Rossano 

• September 27 — Feast of Saints Cosimo and Damiano 

• September 28 — Feast of San Venceslao I 

• September 29 — Feast of the Dedication to St. Michael 

• September 30 — Venerable Alfred Pampalon 

• September 30 — Feast of Sant’Amato di Nusco 

• September 30 — Feast of San Girolamo 

La Madonna dell Grazie at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Hackensack, New Jersey

Sweet Devotion: Sfogliatella Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa da Lima, ora pro nobis

Taking a brief reprieve from my St. Michael’s Lent devotion, we celebrated the Feast of Santa Rosa da Lima with a traditional Sfogliatella Santa Rosa. First baked in 1681 by a nun at the Monastery of Santa Rosa in Conca dei Marini—nestled between Amalfi and Positano on the idyllic “Divine Coast”—this shell-shaped creation is among my most cherished pastries. In truth, only iris al forno and rum babà can rival it in my affections.

The finest one I ever tasted was in a quiet little café in Minori, where the crisp layers yielded to custard and cherries in a perfect harmony of texture and tradition. Evviva Santa Rosa!

Weekly Rosary to be Offered for the Beatification of King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies

In solidarity with the Fondazione Francesco II delle Due Sicilie, the Fondazione il Giglio, and other devoted faithful across the globe, our Latin Mass Rosary Circle (Circolo di Re Francesco II delle Due Sicilie) will now dedicate our weekly Rosary each Sunday at Mass for Servant of God King Francesco II of the Two Sicilies, seeking the advancement of his Cause for Beatification, and for the Canonization of Beata Queen Maria Cristina di Savoia.

We warmly invite you to join us by offering a weekly Rosary in unison for this holy intention. 

Viva 'o Rre!

The Catechism Lectures: Exploring the Splendors of the Tridentine Mass with Rev. Fr. John A. Perricone

Correction—A Prayer for Minneapolis, Minnesota

Martyrs of Minneapolis, orate pro nobis

As Father V, Tradical, and others on X have reminded us, we must correct our earlier post A Prayer for Minneapolis, Minnesota. We mistakenly offered prayers for 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, who—as Father V has made clear—were killed in odium fidei, out of hatred for the Catholic Faith. Their deaths are true martyrdom.

Martyrs, having shed their blood for Christ, are already crowned in glory. Thus, as St. Augustine teaches, it is not fitting to pray for them, but rather to commend ourselves to their prayers. As Tradical put it well: “We should pray for the families and friends of the children killed, and for the injured, but not for those killed. As St. Augustine says, it is wrong to pray for a martyr, to whose prayers we ought ourselves to be commended.”

Therefore, we now pray with greater clarity: for the wounded, for the grieving families, and for the faithful of Annunciation Parish in Minneapolis. We also pray for the conversion of those who scorned prayer and sought to twist this tragedy to serve their demonic ideology and politics. And with confidence, we invoke the intercession of the two child martyrs, Fletcher and Harper, who now reign with Christ and will not forget those who turn to them for strength.

Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, martyrs—pray for us.

Sung Traditionalist Latin Mass in Honor of SG Father Vincent Capodanno on the Anniversary of His Death at St. Michael's Church in Staten Island, New York

Meridiunalata: Villa

Reprinted from Cav. Charles Sant'Elia's Meridiunalata / Southernade, an evocative bilingual collection of poetry written in Neapolitan and translated to English between 1989 and 2010.*

Villa

Villa, piccerenella e abbandunata,
Addò pátemo arrecoglieva piérzeche e mile         annurche,
Nisciuno chiù parla ‘e te,
Nu turrieno úmmele ca ‘a storia
Ha scurdato spisso ‘annummenà,
Ma tu rieste nzerrato int’a stu core mio,
‘A sola casa mia ncopp’’o munno, A
ddò i’ nun ce aggio maje pututo
Stà ‘e casa.
Forze pe chesto vaco giranno senza treva,
Senza ‘e me fremmà, senza ‘e campà,
Ca trovo ‘a vita sulo int’’e suonne
‘E n’ato, ca móreno a un’a uno,
E ca rummáneno comm’a chesta villa,
‘O riesto ‘e nu muro cà, nisciuno titto,
Ma ‘o cielo senza fine ca accumpare ‘o posto sujo.

Villa

Villa, so small and abandoned,
Where my father used to gather peaches and southern apples,
No one speaks of you,
A humble terrain that history
Has often forgotten to mention,
But you remain enclosed in my heart,
My only house in this world,
Where I could never
Be at home.
Perhaps for this reason I go wondering ceaselessly,
For I find life only in the dreams
Of another, that die one by one,
That remain like this villa,
The remnants of a wall here, no roof,
But the endless sky that appears in its place.

* Self-published in 2010, Meridiunalata / Southernade is a treasury of poems gleaned from Cav. Sant'Elia's previous collections (Nchiuso dint''o presente, 'A cuntrora, and 'O pino e l'éllera), which were circulated among friends in New York City and Naples. Special thanks to Cav. Sant'Elia for allowing us to reprint his poetry and translations.

A Prayer for Minneapolis, Minnesota

Our Lady of the Annunciation,
ora pro nobis

We offer our deepest prayers and condolences for the victims of the tragic anti-Catholic terrorist attack at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. In this moment of sorrow, we stand in solidarity with the faithful of Annunciation Parish, entrusting the souls of the departed and the healing of the wounded to the mercy of God.

May St. Paul, patron of the city, St. John Vianney, secondary co-patron, and Our Lady of the Annunciation, patroness of the parish, intercede for all who grieve and watch over the community with care and protection.

Prayer for the victims

Loving God, welcome into your arms the victims of violence and terrorism. Comfort their families and all who grieve for them. Help us in our fear and uncertainty, and bless us with the knowledge that we are secure in your love. Strengthen all those who work for peace, and may the peace that the world cannot give reign in our hearts. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Simple Pleasures: Vintage Devotional Print of Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo

Vintage devotional print depicting Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo, the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed into Heaven, venerated as the Principal Patroness of Lucera, a city in Foggia, Puglia. The Virgin is enthroned upon clouds, dressed in dark robes, and holds the crowned Christ Child in her left arm. Both wear regal crowns, surrounded by radiating clouds that emphasize their heavenly majesty.

This image, reproduced in 1918, commemorates the local and ecclesiastical devotion to the Madonna of Lucera, whose statue was formally crowned in 1906. It stands as both a devotional icon and a testament to enduring Marian piety in the region.

Below the image is a dedication and brief historical note in Italian, which reads:

Vera Effigie dell’antica e located Statua di
MARIA SS.ma ASSUNTA IN CIELO
principal Patrona di Lucera.

Coll’ Pontif. Capitol. Vaticano al dì 15 di Agosto del
1906 decorata di Trifolio Corona dove venerata nel
Real Tempio Basilica Cattedrale da sua Città
con frequenza di gente, anche forestiera, ritratta
in buon disegno a spese della Cappella.
1918

[True image of the ancient and miraculous statue of Most Holy Mary Assumed into Heaven Principal Patroness of Lucera.

On August 15, 1906, it was adorned with a triple crown by the Pontifical Vatican Chapter, and is venerated in the Royal Temple Cathedral Basilica of her city with crowds of people, including outsiders, depicted here in a fine drawing at the expense of the Chapel. 1918]

New Music — Alessandro Scarlatti Cantatas, Motets, Oratorios, Concerti Grossi, and Sonatas

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• Alessandro Scarlatti Cantatas, Motets, Oratorios, Concerti Grossi, and Sonatas

Label: Warner Classics
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Audio CD: $34.98
Number of Discs: 9

Available at Amazon.com

Read description

Photo of the Week: Cristo Redentore di Maratea, Potenza, Basilicata

Photo by Andrew Giordano

Feast of St. Stephen of Hungary at St. Mary of Mt. Virgin Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey

Feast of St. María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament

St. María Micaela of the Blessed
Sacrament, ora pro nobis

August 25th is the feast of María Micaela Desmaisières y López de Dicastillo, better known as Saint María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament—a Spanish noblewoman, religious foundress, and mystic devoted to the Eucharist. Born on January 1, 1809, in Madrid to a prominent aristocratic family, she lost her parents early in life but grew up increasingly drawn to works of mercy, particularly the care of the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.

Her decisive spiritual turning point came in 1844, when she encountered young women suffering from exploitation and abandonment. Moved by their plight, she dedicated herself to their rehabilitation, opening a house to shelter and educate them. To continue this mission, she founded the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity in 1856, with a spirituality rooted in Eucharistic adoration and active charity.

Known for her mystical depth and courageous charity, she personally tended to the sick during a cholera epidemic. She contracted the illness herself and died in Valencia on August 24, 1865, offering her life in service to others.

María Micaela was beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI. She is remembered as a model of Eucharistic devotion, compassion, and sacrificial love.

In celebration of her feast, we offer this prayer:

Prayer to St. María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament

Lord, renew in our congregation the spirit of adoration and charity that inspired Saint Maria Micaela, our Mother, so that, filled and revitalized by Him, we may strive to love what she loved and to put into practice what she taught us. Through Jesus our Lord, Amen

Saint Maria Micaela, pray for us and obtain for us from the Lord your spirit of adoration and charity.

Trilingual Prayer for the Feast of Santa Patrizia

Santa Patrizia, ora pro nobis

(Oratio Trilinguis in Festo Sanctæ Patriciæ)

Santa Patrizia, a noble virgin of Constantinople and patroness of Naples, is honored on August 25th. Venerated for her purity, humility, and miraculous intercession, she is invoked especially as a protectress of sailors and the city of Naples. This trilingual prayer — in Latin, English, and Italian — may be recited on her feast and at any time by the faithful who seek her aid. Evviva Santa Patrizia!

Oratio ad Sanctam Patriciam

O prodigiosa Virgo, Sancta Patricia, advocata et protectrix mea, quae in ultimis vitae tuae momentis a Iesu obtinuisti consilium et divinam protectionem omnibus ad te confugientibus auxilium petentibus: impetra mihi a Deo salutem animae ac corporis, victoriam de Diabolo et de passionibus. Repelle adversitates quae me circumstant; in praesenti tribulatione me consoláre. Impetra mihi remissionem peccatorum et ingressum in regnum caelorum. Esto portus salutis navigantibus et tutela civitati nostrae. Diffunde speciale tuum patrocinium super me et super omnes tuos devotos, ut sanctissimum Nomen Dei sit a cunctis benedictum, glorificatum, exaltatum atque laudatum in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

Prayer to Saint Patrizia

O wondrous Virgin, Saint Patricia, mine advocate and protectress, who in the last moments of thy life didst obtain from Jesus counsel and divine protection for all who seek refuge in thee: obtain for me from Almighty God health of soul and body, victory over the Devil and over the passions. Drive away the adversities that surround me on all sides; in this present tribulation, console me. Obtain for me the pardon of sins and entrance into the heavenly kingdom. Be thou a haven of safety unto sailors and a safeguard unto our city. Spread forth thy special patronage over me and over all thy devoted children, that the most holy Name of God may be ever blessed, glorified, exalted, and praised by all unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Preghiera a Santa Patrizia

O prodigiosa Vergine Santa Patrizia, mia avvocata e protettrice, che negli ultimi momenti della vostra vita otteneste da Gesù consiglio e divina protezione a tutti coloro che a voi si rivolgessero per aiuto, ottenetemi da Dio la salute dell’anima e del corpo, la vittoria sul Demonio e sulle passioni; allontanate le avversità che mi circondano, consolatemi nelle presenti tribolazioni. Ottenetemi il perdono dei peccati e l’ingresso nel regno del Cielo. Siate porto di salvezza ai naviganti e tutela alla nostra città. Diffondete speciale patrocinio sopra di me e su tutti i vostri devoti, affinché il nome santo di Dio sia benedetto, glorificato, esaltato e lodato da tutti nei secoli dei secoli. Così sia.

Bensonhurst Honors Santa Rosalia with New Statue from Palermo

Santa Rosalia, ora pro nobis

This year’s Feast of Santa Rosalia on 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst carried special meaning with the unveiling of a newly commissioned statue of la Santuzza, Palermo’s beloved patroness—crafted in her native city and brought to Brooklyn for the first time.

For the 51st year, the neighborhood filled with music, games, rides, and the aromas of Sicilian street food—arancini, stigghiola, sfincione, and cannoli—shared among families and friends.

More than a festival, the event remains a living tradition, where faith and community converge to honor Santa Rosalia while celebrating the cultural heritage of Sicilian-Americans in New York. Evviva Santa Rosalia!

Photos by Andrew Giordano

Feast of St. Augustine of Hippo at St. Augustine Church in Ossining, New York

New Book — The Pentamerone by Giambattista Basile

A new title that may be of interest to our readers. Available at Amazon.com

• The Pentamerone by Giambattista Basile translated by Richard Burton

Publisher: Independently Published
Publication date: April 17, 2025
Paperback: $40.00
Language: English
Pages: 802

Read description

Click here to see more books

Listing does not imply any endorsement

Simple Pleasures: A.S.D. Nocciano Calcio — Presente in Little Italy!

Just spotted an A.S.D. Nocciano Calcio sticker tucked away in Little Italy, New York City — Abruzzo pride crossing the Atlantic!

Black Moon Rising

Last night, beneath a cloudy sky where the moon refused to show its face, I found myself enjoying the cool night air. The stars hung distant and aloof, and in their silence I slipped into reverie. The darkness above felt like a blank page, and before long, I had written a sonnet for Alana, an old lover whose memory has stayed with me.

Alana’s life and death left an indelible mark on me; this poem is offered in her memory. The nicknames and slurs in the verses are not mine, but the cruel words she endured. They remain here only to bear witness. The events are rendered in the language of poetry, but the story is true: she lived, she was wronged, and she is remembered. My intent is not to sensationalize her tragedy, but to preserve, in some small way, the truth of her suffering and the dignity of her name.

In the silence of a moonless night, her memory rose like a dark tide—solemn, undeniable, and enduring.

Alana Puttana Baccalà

They called her “bagascia,” with sneering lies,
Cruel whispers tossed by boys in bitter pride;
Their hollow charms could never catch her eyes,
Though each had schemed to take her for a ride.

I burned for her—she knew, and drew me near;
In youthful heat I gave what love could give.
She took, then vanished—cool, remote, severe,
While I remained, still aching to re-live.

Tired of boys, she crossed forbidden lines,
No hint she’d ever stray another way.
Then horror struck—her body bore the crime;
She carried plague no prayer could keep away.

So silence claimed her with its final breath:
A wrist gone white—a red, unspoken death.