I * u take

I eye ivory
Italy teems with knickknack shops
Sweaty swarthy itenerate men with Indian goods
Hawk wares to unsuspecting tourists

My iris ignites as carefully carved wonders gleam with illumunation
I want to wrap up the place,
The smell of falafel competing with catch of the day
The bronzed bodies slick with sweat
The intersection between wharf and cannery row
And take it all home.

But ivory is illegal to buy, much less transport
And my ideal vacation does not have room for a customs arrest.

The impenetrable gaze of the salesman beacons...

Take a chance -it says

You only live once.