Dream of the Duomo

 

Lingering in the memory

of the day's long walk

re-visiting the plazas and cafes

that offered the best advantage

I close my eyes to find in fuller form

that which was too large for pedestrian vistas

​

And through these thin skin veils

that shield my inner occupation

a distant sky emerges

beyond the bounds of usual perception

 

And in that moment... the whole flower brightens!

stone marbled walls of green & white perfection.

And with the same sureness as one

who would have laid the first lines

I trace the steep arched massing,

the main proportions and sacred divisions...

defining the contours of a place and time.

 

But clinking cups and saucers

clatter from the rooftop trattoria

collapsing my consciousness

back to this balustrade world

restraining my reach into the air

of Renaissance.

 

My cappuccino cools.

The sun closes the circular landscape.

I am left measuring but shadowy dimensions

of a time's subtle escape.

Then unexpectedly, as dimming day surrounds me

the earth-bound roof lines fall away

the tall dome silhouette lifts my awareness...

it's brilliant lantern gleaming solitaire

reflecting a source now unseen,

as if the architect had designed this very moment

revealing the dreamer to the dream!

 

 

 

 

Jrm - June 1993