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Wearied by a surfeit of history and sun's glare
I retraced my steps back to St. Mark's square
Found a seat on the shady side and, with a grateful sigh,
Sipped a cooling drink and watched the world go by.
Slowly relaxing I closed my eyes in quiet reflection,
Then my day was transformed from wonderful
To absolute perfection.
A string quartet, students, playing just for me
The magical and beautiful Cannon Suite in D.
Stately bass tones as the music begins, then the
Interweaving of the dulcet violins.
My soul rose and fell with each perfect note.
Drifting like a leaf upon a lake, I listened, enraptured,
Until I felt my heart would break.
On a warm day in Covent Garden once again I sought the shade
shopping bags upon the ground, sipping lemonade.
When, out of nowhere, that same rapture captured me.
A live quartet played Pachelbel, playing 'real good for free'.
In an instant I was transported to Venice for a while.
When the last sweet note faded
I was wearing that Venetian smile.