Taddeo Gaddi built me. I am old,
Five centuries old. I plant my foot of stone
Upon the Arno, as St. Michael’s own
Was planted on the dragon. Fold by fold
Beneath me as it struggles. I behold
Its glistening scales. Twice hath it overthrown
My kindred and companions. Me alone
It moveth not, but is by me controlled.
I can remember when the Medici
Were driven from Florence; longer still ago
The final wars of Ghibelline and Guelf.
Florence adorns me with her jewelry;
And when I think that Michael Angelo
Hath leaned on me, I glory in myself.
["The Old Bridge" by Longfellow]
actually, Henry, the Romans seem to have been the first builders… en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio
… you may have noticed I’m dreaming of Florence…. #2 in FLORENTINE DREAMING
Posted by writing – sometimes invisible on 2013-03-07 16:40:46
Tagged: , ponte vecchio , florence , firenze , italy , arno , gaddi , dreaming , romans , texture_ellyn , BestEverGOLDenArtists , 10+Faves
