At his untimely death in the spring of 2014, Virgilio Masciadri left behind numerous unpublished poems. "Avenue Without Leaves" contains a representative selection from his last two decades of life. Many poems were written in Blessagno, his second home in Italy, while others were created in Paris, Ticino, and Aargau. They once again showcase his eloquence, cheerfulness, irony, and wisdom. Until his last day, the poet continued to write, increasingly focused, as if poetry, which provided him with support and comfort, could keep him alive. The awareness of transience makes every moment precious, and he captures it. With utmost presence, Virgilio Masciadri tells of small things in his surroundings that become existential, and his hand reaches for traces of the real.