when Matteo is Nicola

If I had a son

I would name him Nicola

Nicola, who sympathizes

who can't tell the difference between the normal and abnormal

                                          between the sane and insane

but who can tell those who suffer

             from those who inflict pains upon the former

If I had two sons

I would name the other one Matteo

because when Matteo is Nicola (and he always wants to be)

he smiles and loves

he covers his face but opens his soul

If I had a daughter

I would name her Giorgia

Giorgia, who blossoms and bends

             like a flower towards the sun

who waters the cactus with orange juice when

             she is mistreated in the best of her youth

but Nicola and Matteo will play music for her

and talk to her until

she unfolds herself again

Surely none of these would happen

Surely if only I were an Italian

I just love the film too much