Dream of the Duomo

 

Lingering in the memory

of the day's long walk

re-visiting the plazas and cafes

that offered the best advantage

I close my eyes to find in fuller form

that which was too large for pedestrian vistas

​

Behind the skin-thin veils that 

shield my inner reflection

a distant sky slowly emerges

capturing a remote perception

 

And In that moment the whole flower brightens

with stone marbled walls of green and white perfection

And with the same sureness as one

who would have laid the first lines,

I trace the steep arches and proportions

the main masses and decorations

the sacred shapes and golden divisions...

defining the contours of a time and place.

 

But clinking cups and saucers

clatter from the rooftop trattoria

collapsing my consciousness

back to this balustrade world

restraining my reach into the air

of Renaissance.

 

My cappuccino cools

The sun closes the circular landscape.

I am left measuring but shadowy dimensions

of a past time's subtle escape

 

The dimming day starts to dissolve 

earth-bound roof lines begin to waver 

then unexpectedly the tall dome silhouette

fills my awareness

it's brilliant lantern gleaming solitaire

reflecting a source not directly seen

as if the architect had designed this very moment

revealing the dreamer to the dream!

​

Jrm - June 1993