Venezia Che Muore


Bruised stars draw around a moonless coast
As once more night breaks on St. Mark's Square
Where doves have since taken to the air,
Tired of pecking for leftover toast.

Passing by an old traghetto post
Floods the mind with sailing off elsewhere;
Bruised stars draw around a moonless coast
As once more night breaks on St. Mark's Square.

In the darkness still she sits engrossed
With her cards, a question and a prayer
Playing games of endless solitaire.

Yet another day is spent and closed -
Bruised stars draw around a moonless coast
As once more night breaks on St. Mark's Square.


- Arlene Ang