Serene City in such unlikely locale
buoyed against sinking morale
meet me at stairs the waterside kind
and float me in gondolas that wind
labyrinthine to the Grand Canal.
Set me on the river gate at Ca d’Oro
bring carnavale to life, let vino flow
light ballroom candles for Bella Serra
stage the comedy alla maschera
so guests share the mirth and glow.
Bow to no king or emperor afar
elect your doge bid care au revoir
enemies may come amid loud cries
but exit soon on the bridge of sighs
the fiercest lion is your avatar.
So toast your spritz to moderation
mercantile carriage and liberation
since days of early Renaissance
you’ve minded your independence
despite mud and water as foundation.
So let me sit in your sidewalk cafe
close to San Marco palazzo
gaze at ships as to sea they go
watch beautiful people all the day
hear shouts of children as they play.
