Page 16 - Contrast2006

N aney Sinnes

L'UNICO SILENZIO

The only time it was truly still,
Florence, at night, when calm darkness fell,

fell over the city in its slumber,
as a few lovers lie and number

the stars. The rest of the city lies in dreams
of old Firenzian knights and Renaissance queens.

The lovers lie awake amidst the startling
silence of a city usually so awake, so bustling,

and marvel in the soft night, the deep quiet-
even these waking few have concluded their amorous nights.

Finally, all of the drowsy heads are at rest on mounds
of fluff, their beings beginning to- with energy- abound

to live their fresh days when the sun boldly greets
them over the Tuscan hills, and bids them meet

her invigorating beams in the newly lit streets and piazzas.
Workers welcome her early glow, clanging shops open, shouting "Buon
giorno, and Grazie!"

These few break the only stillness the city ever sees, every dawn
they deliver, open, bake, butcher and sweep the streets clean-

the true life of this place lives within their morning rituals,
soon the remaining Florentines will awaken to this jewel

of a city they abide within- although- most will never know
of L'Unico Silenzio.

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