"T A X" Romana

A loyal reader sent me this news item: young Roman lovers go on crime spree (stealing padlocks as part of some tender ritual) to show their undying devotion to their ragazza/ragazzo.

You're no doubt wondering if this is typical Roman-style devotion. Is the spirit of Romeo and Juliet alive in modern-day Italy? Has yours truly ever declared his limit-less love for Xtina in such a public display?

Well, just last week I spelled out on the sidewalk below my building "Ti Amo, Xtina" in spaghetti strands. Moments later, unbeknownst to me, neighborhood cats swarmed on my creation, nibbling the good parts and revealing the cryptic message:

"T A X".

Undaunted, I'm off to get something more permanent. A tattoo.