How I love when Florence wakes and
we share the day’s beginning together.
I walk on stones polished by centuries of wear
as I sip my cappuccino and watch the moon
give up his seat to sun as she rises behind me
lighting buildings birthed in Middle Ages.
I check out recently shined shop windows
as street lamps blow out like birthday candles.
The Duomo, looming large, preens for me,
showing off her white and green marble stripes.
I wave as I pass, happy to see her before she is
blocked from view by tourists as they pose for pictures.
Statues lining piazzas flex their chiseled muscles
reminding me it’s time to plan my day.
Judith Rosner’s poetry appears in the literary journal HerWords, the Living Peace 2019 Art of Poetry Anthology, the Jewish Literary Journal, the Gulf Coast Poets Anthology, Harmonic Verse, and the Bards Against Hunger 10 Year Anniversary Anthology. She holds a doctorate in sociology and retired from a successful career as professor, leadership developer, and executive coach. Judy and her husband split their time between Sarasota, Florida and New York City.
Please note: Poetry is compressed to fit smart phone screens. If you are reading this poem on a phone screen, please turn your screen sideways to make sure that you are seeing correct line breaks for this poem.
THE CITY KEY 