Eleanor, 16-July 19 Florence

July 19

FLORENCE

What can I say today but list the names that have thrilled me,
Wonder and admiration and reverence have filled me.
Botticelli, Giotto, Raphael, Angelo,
Rossini, Alfieri, Dante, Boccaccio.
Saw beauty in form and color, saw beauty in soul and word.

Their colors out-painted the sunset their music out-sung the bird,
But the place in the hall of greatness Where I bowed my head and my heart.
Was not to the epic poet, was not to the master of art,
But the man who could suffer for science and truth is a saint of mine.
And I knelt in humblest devotion at Galileo's shrine.

July 20

FLORENCE

I shopped in Florence early morn and this noon,
(Bridge score pads, purses, chiseled leather things)
I shopped in Venice by the crescent moon,
(Bead chains, bead bags, bead rosaries and rings)

Italian shops are interesting sights
(Øld silver, beaten silver, filigree.)
They close at noon and open up at nights,
(Fine linens, laces, fine embroidery.)

If urged, the merchant cuts the price
(Clear amber, amber clouded with a mist.)
"Here, signoina', I do it, just for you."
(Carnelian, onyx, lapis, amethyst.)