Venice

Dense violet sky of sparkling stars above, And all around The soft, mysterious stirring of dark velvet water That makes no sound. And here in the old Square Life ... surging, swaying, sparkling everywhere, As if it held at arms’ length waiting there The sky and water and their mysteries. But near me at a little table alone, A red-haired, black-eyed woman broods and waits, Gazing across the empty cups and plates. Her bright hair makes a glory in the light, But her dark eyes, unseeing, bring the night, Too near!