Pasquale and Me

Andiamo Poem

I heard the lady say, "They're at table twenty-seven"

Before thinking, Someone please pinch me! I'm in heaven!

I had longed for this concert for more than two years.

Just being there almost made me cry happy tears.

After corresponding with his manager about a month ago,

We were in Warren, Michigan, to see Pasquale Esposito.

While at our seats, mom and I ordered water in a glass.

Not thinking about the exciting things that will come to pass.

Just the three of us sat there when there should really be eight.

While my parents sat patiently, I anxiously squeaked, "I can't wait!"

After a video about upcoming shows, the Italian music started to play.

When we heard someone singing, I looked around for Pasquale.

I let out a gasp as he started to approach our table,

I could've fallen from my seat, but I somehow remained stable.

As "Il Mondo" was played by the small four-piece band,

I freaked out when Pasquale smiled and shook my hand.

When I saw a bright twinkle in his honey-brown eyes,

I squealed with delight and felt my heart rate rise.

As we let go and he continued singing along the aisle,

I felt like I would give myself lockjaw with such a wide smile.

The show included songs from his special about Italian piazzas,

And the clips he showed made me want to visit those plazas.

As Pasquale sang, clips of Piazzas would be shown on the screens

Showing cities like Naples, Rome, and Pisa, with many in between.

When his special guest came on, she looked bodacious and lovely!

She was Angela Theis, and she blew us away with "Think of Me."

About two hours later, Pasquale concluded the show

With marvelous renditions of "The Lord's Prayer" and "O Sole Mio."

In the lobby, I met Pasquale's manager in person and bought a DVD

Of the special that introduced me to him two years ago on TV.

We then waited behind a short crowd, waiting to meet Pasquale.

After handing my phone to dad, I saw Pasquale grin at me.

"Pasquale!" I exclaimed as I gave him a sweet embrace.

"So happy to see you!" He chuckled with a smile on his face.

I then told him how his music helped me over the last two years,

(Looking back, I'm amazed I didn't break down into tears)

Before giving him a folder with two poems and a portrait of him.

"Wow. It looks like me!" He said, making me giddy to the brim.

He asked if he could keep it, to which I happily said he could,

Which made him smile again, making me really feel good.

After introducing him to my parents and letting dad take our picture,

Pasquale marked my copy of the DVD with his fancy signature.

Once I said my parents' names before saying mine to him,

He chuckled, "I knew that! You're famous!" Which made me grin.

He then said something that almost made me break into tears:

Since I told him how he helped me the past two years,

He'd think of me while singing "The Lord's Prayer."

Just the thought of that made me weak then and there.

Despite my knees knocking together and feeling very weak,

We hugged again, during which, I gave him a peck on the cheek.

After pulling away, I commented on his jacket made by Ravazzolo.

Before my parents told me that it was time for us to go.

With a sigh and a last embrace, Pasquale and I said our "goodbyes,"

During which, I felt mixed-emotion tears forming in my eyes.

As we left the theater, I cried as we drove away,

Never forgetting my first time seeing and meeting Pasquale.