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An Ode To Florence

The sacred lily of antiquity; vital, that centuries have not defied. Treasures, luminaries of Italy; a preserved cultured city, dignified. Basilica on the mount arises; "The Gate of Heaven" takes my breath away. The dome cap nestles above the city; A vista opens to new horizons, Cathedral bells ring, calling me to pray; outside, minstrels in song, bold and witty.  On the old bridge, wares for sale are displayed. A passage, above the River Arno; self- portraits, don the walls; masters portrayed. Bronzed doors, a journey to The Inferno;  afficionados of art come to praise.  Sculptures come alive in the public square; Uffizi's galleries, patrons are drawn to the genius of masters, are amazed. The passion of "bel canto" fills the air; night falls, your cobbled streets, dim, until dawn. In marbled tombs lay national heroes;  maestros who impart the gifts of sages.  The Sacred Crucifix hangs in sorrow, over consecrated ground, it graces. A tapestry of life's virtues you share. To the titans of art, we owe a debt. Saints and prophets, their relics you enshrine;  devoted in faith we kneel in prayer. David's majestic strength, Goliath met. Florence's gifts, a legacy, divine! May 4, 2022 For: Form O-Ode-New Poems Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Constance La France Rhymes verified on Rhymezone.com Syllables verified on Howmanysyllables.com Theme: Place Placed 3rd in contest

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 6/10/2022 6:54:00 AM
Paulette, wonderful poem and congratulations on your win in my Ode contest, blessings ~Constance
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Date: 6/2/2022 7:42:00 PM
oh yes, I do recall this one. So nice to see it again on the winners' list. Congrats, Paulette.
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Paulette Calasibetta
Date: 6/3/2022 12:19:00 PM
Thanks Andrea~I scrolled down~you had previously replied, thinking you might be reading a poem about Florence Nightingale…..Glad you like it. And a big win for you too. :)Paulette
Date: 6/2/2022 11:14:00 AM
Congratulations on your win , Paulette, in Constance's Ode. Blessings my friend
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Paulette Calasibetta
Date: 6/2/2022 11:31:00 AM
Thank you Eve~a challenging write and happy to have placed. Thanks for stopping to visit my page. :)Paulette
Date: 6/1/2022 1:28:00 PM
Congratulations on this win. A wonderful tribute to "Florence." Enjoy your win and day with blessings...........
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Paulette Calasibetta
Date: 6/2/2022 11:32:00 AM
Thank you Paula~I love Florence, one of my favorite cities, I only can dream of returning~for now anyway. :)Paulette
Date: 5/20/2022 4:59:00 PM
oh I am so silly. I was expecting this to be about Florence Nightingale! But instead it's a delightful ode to a wonderful city!!
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Paulette Calasibetta
Date: 5/21/2022 11:44:00 AM
LOL! It is funny you thought that because after I completed the Ode....I thought the same thing you did~Are people expecting this to be Florence the Nightingale! Thanks for stopping by to comment. :)Paulette
Date: 5/14/2022 10:43:00 PM
I feel like I was in Florence... now I want to visit! Loved your narrative, your love for the city really shines through.
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Paulette Calasibetta
Date: 5/15/2022 12:15:00 PM
I hope you get to visit~it is my favorite city that I go back to every chance I get. I feel like I am home there, in the splendor of antiquity where every day is a new adventure. Thanks for stopping by to comment~glad I was able to give you a taste of Florence. :)Paulette
Date: 5/12/2022 5:14:00 PM
Exquisite imagery and descriptions, Paulette. Your poetry is eloquently written. Have a great week my friend, Bill
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Paulette Calasibetta
Date: 5/13/2022 6:48:00 AM
Thanks for your 'eloquent' comment~I love Florence and have so much to say but the confines of the form kept me in check, otherwise I would have a very long narrative. :)Paulette
Date: 5/5/2022 10:01:00 AM
Paulette, you have written a beautiful poem. Your use of metaphors and vernacular brings even more magic to this great piece of writing. Warmest wishes for success in the contest.
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Paulette Calasibetta
Date: 5/5/2022 1:41:00 PM
Thank you for stopping by to view The Ode to Florence.... so glad you enjoyed it. :)Paulette
Date: 5/5/2022 7:22:00 AM
Paulette a wonderful poem ….you took me there and I wanted to stay! Debx
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Paulette Calasibetta
Date: 5/5/2022 1:40:00 PM
Thank you Deb~glad I could take you there. :)Paulette
Date: 5/4/2022 10:23:00 PM
Superb poem on one of my favorite cities. I've been to Florence (Firenza) several times. Best for a win.
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Paulette Calasibetta
Date: 5/5/2022 5:06:00 AM
Thank you Victor~yes, I live in the US put my heart lives in Florence. I have been there several times, and I long to return. Have a great day! :)Paulette

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