Florence

To the Editors:

Although it is rumored

The city of Medici

Washes away,

As we read in the Times

Of the "worst disaster"

Of seven centuries;

As we hear that annals

Of Cosimo's days

Lie deeply buried;

As we learn that

Gentle Angelicoes

Are somewhere drowning;

Although it is rumored

The city of Medici

Washes away,

Still we may dream

Of exiled Dante

Holding the city in mind.

Mark Schorr

Cambridge, Massachusetts