A Chinaholic Abroad

Blue and white china
which is fresh and bright
in muted English light
looks harsh and sharp
against plaster walls
and terracotta tiles.

I fall in love yet again
with the milky glaze
and earthen colours
of the local pottery

but know in my heart
that it is a holiday romance
and that the shapes and shades
look best in the Tuscan sunlight

so I spend my money
on an Italian leather handbag instead.