La Serenissima
Venice and New Orleans both on the edge of destruction
Both sinking into the sea.
One in the Adriatic; the other in the Gulf
Both altars to international trade, travel, and influence.
Both colorful and flirtatious
Housing the creative genius of blended cultures
Bellini, Titian, Marsalas, Sachmo, Percy
Myths of the Greek and Romans gods present everywhere
From the streets of the muses to the lofts of the artists
Lumbering under the heat and doom of the seas
They continue in spite of the gods’ plagues
People continue to visit the cathedrals;
Feed the pigeons, and feast on the multi-cultural cuisine
Looking over their shoulders for signs of the next disaster
Taunting the heavens, dancing through the streets in masks and colorful customs
Endymion ageless under the crescent moon
Sleeping away fears and warnings of global destruction
Waking only to imbibe in pools from the Andros
We lull ourselves back to dream
A more suitable ending to the “Feast of the Gods.”
Rosalynn Rizzo-Moore
After viewing Venetian Exhibit at National Gallery
July 30, 2006
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