Church, Panzano

I’ve always liked this image, from the moment I previsualized it,
      walking through that empty church in Panzano, Italy.
I had been pleased there were no signs at the door prohibiting photography,
      for I was taken with the path of rounded arches to the right of the sanctuary.
After slowly photographing the scene as you see it,
      I sat silently in a pew for awhile.
A door opened and closed, a man appeared and stared at me,
      then disappeared.
Ten minutes later, as I departed, this same man was waiting outside.
He was the priest, and he was not happy.
“Why did you photograph inside my church?” I’m sure he was saying,
      but I knew no Italian, and he, no English.
He spoke loudly; his face reddened; he waved his arms dramatically.
I tried to explain that I was sorry,
      that there was no sign prohibiting photography,
           but I could tell he didn’t understand.
For a few moments, I considered removing the roll of film from my camera
      and placing it in one of his fast-moving hands.
But in the end, remembering this image that was stored there, I kept my film.
I gave him a weak smile, shrugged my shoulders,
      offered my English apology, and walked down the steps.
When I looked back, he was still gesturing.
I’ve since made my peace with having kept the film.
I cannot speak for the priest.