Loss keeps on growing

[fpb]

One result of the death of my best friend Franco is that I lose his share in Rome. Ever since I was eighteen, going to Rome or staying in Rome (when I was in Britain, or in the Army) meant going to be with him, talk with him, watch him draw. And I now realize that this was the most lively, the most alive part of my experience of Rome (I am not a

Comments

[joetexx]

My deepest condolences for your loss.

I actually thought you were a Roman. Were you born and raised elsewhere in Italy ?

[fpb]

The Milan area. And all things considered, I also spent more of my time in London than in Rome.

Are you a Lombard?

[joetexx]

I've always had a weakness for Lodovico Sforza il Moro...

Re: Are you a Lombard?

[fpb]

I definitely did not. One of the many Italian politicians who thought they were cleverer than they were. But the record of the city of Milan in terms of political leaders, from the Viscontis to Mussolini, Craxi and Berlusconi, is disastrous.

Re: Are you a Lombard?

[joetexx]

I read about Il Moro as a youngster in a couple of general histories, and he was a background figure in some swashbuckling historical novels. I don't know about his life in any depth.

I remember that one essay on scientific creativity (may have been DeRopp's Prometheans) gave a him a great deal of credit for promoting embryonic agricultural research, notably silk culture and grain and livestock breeding.

And now I find I want some polenta (see also pulse, pollen).