Delight in renaissance pomp
masks in coloured exuberance
rich brocade hiding luring bodies
light and cold Februarian winds

Laughter beguiling and echoed
tempting commotion everywhere
façades in tired elegance
falling into cold-watered canals

What news on the Rialto?
Venetian sun behind leaden clouds
Canaletto’s clear, licked world
gondoliers‘ songs fading away

And tiny early night snowflakes
falling, dancing on Venetian graves