Amate il pane

I found myself thoroughly enjoying the daily walks to the local panetteria in the wee hours of the morning, knowing that in just a few moments I would have fresh, delicious bread to bring home. It is not merely a staple in the Italian household; it is a celebrated and honored food. It is sustenance for the belly and for the heart.

Below is the poem written on the front of the brown paper bag from the panetteria. I've translated it for my English-speaking family and friends.

Amate il pane                   Love bread

Cuore della casa                Heart of the house

Profumo della mensa             Smell of the dining hall

Gioia del focolari              Joy of the home

Onorate il pane                 Honor bread

Gloria dei campi                Glory of the fields

Fragranza della terra           Fragrance of the land

Festa della vita                Feast of life

Rispettate il pane              Respect bread

Sudore della fronte             Sweat of the brow

Orgolglio del lavoro            Pride of work

Poema di sacrificio             Poem of sacrifice

Non sciupate il pane            Don't waste bread

Ricchezza della patria          Richness of the country

Il piu' santo premio            The most blessed prize

Alla fatica umana               Of human effort

Valerie xoxo