The Grazie Wall

(said Elice.)

Some people sign in abbreviations.
Others, their letters just as big as the first one- FRANCO
P.G.R.
Per Grazie Ricivuta
Some hastily written in marker and stone
others on nicer marble: bigger thanks? Greater task for God?
Some handcrafted

Italians listening to crappy American pop from 20 years ago as they drive behind us.
"It's jazz, they don't like American music" said the bartender last night.
Honks. Cars trying to pass, people trying harder to cross.

Some etched on a bathroom tile.

How do you express your thanks on a slab of stone?
Contains your prayers,
answered,
in a line or two?
I couldn't.
FA TE
NICO

I read it as
"Fate"