| |
Vatican Gallery
In the vast high-ceilinged hall
That recalls The Silence
And Last Year at Marienbad
The hook-nosed old man
Leans over her, crying
Among the marbles:
Ma noi siamo le guardie
Non devi piangere, pointing
To his black, rusty uniform.
She continues to sob
Into her cupped hand.
The guard drifts to his partner,
Murmuring over his shoulder,
Noi siamo le guardie
Niente ti fa male. . . .
And meets Daddy short
White sleeves and sandals
Who walks to her silently
And wipes her eyes.
|