European Conqueror
In Serenissima I know it’s art
Or architecture that’s supposed to be
The main attraction. They both grab my heart,
Especially the buildings when I see
Them from the vaporetti, reflections
In choppiness of Grand Canal sights split
Up, shining like brightly glazed confections,
Their loveliness as beauty that is writ
In sinking time on water. The painting
And pictures done in little bits of stone
Impress me, but never bring on fainting
Spells. Never has the art stuff made me moan.
So what attraction has the firstest claim?
A waggy spaniel: Leone’s his name.
[N.B. “Leone” is short for “Napoleone.” The spaniel’s
owner is an admirer of Bonaparte. Well, the dog had
to have at least one flaw, right?]