The Piazza de SS Annunziata is one of the loveliest squares in Florence. A great bronze of the sixteenth century Tuscan Grand Duke Ferdinando de Medici surveys the scene. On the night of September 11, 2000, I was there.
The stars conspired that night, and Luna too,
Whose pearly lamp illumined fabled lanes
That led to mounted Ferdinand's purview.
Sweet Zephyr joined the plot with soft refrains
Of lute and lira echoed long ago.
The pomegranates whispered as we passed
Of Graces Three; and He of dart and bow,
Disguised in shadow, urged us on. At last
We stepped into the ancient moon-drenched square.
The Schemers watched, but moments from their goal.
Aloft, red Mars reached out to Venus fair;
Below, my skin touched yours, and soul touched soul.
To Gods' applause the hours of dark sped on
Until, as one, our Love engulfed the dawn.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
* For Margarita Pretiosa *
