The Legends of the Bridge of Sighs

~Two different legends - one stating that lovers who passed under The Bridge of Sighs to kiss at the moment the sun 
set and the bells tolled would forever be in love, the other (instilled by Lord Byron) that the bridge received it's name 
from the sighs of prisoners who passed under it for the last time on the way to their execution~



Perhaps The Bridge of Sighs becomes to each
a haven or the last to bid fare well
as happiness in channels seem to reach

the prisoner, the lover's hearts to quell
A last to Venice sunsets to elate
A last epitome to wishers well

the bells to toll, a kiss and then to wait
as lovers see forever in their eyes
the buildings seem to breathe and contemplate

with curiosity to passers by
as Sargent captured blue under the bridge
so to the prisoners do let a sigh

to know full well the weight of what they did
would leave lagoons and islands with a glimpse
to execute they glide the waters bid

and lose the soothe of sunsets in a wince
as lovers pass into forever more
the other holds the key to recompense

Perhaps the Bridge of Sighs is either or
to Venice skies a promise or a curse
as under pass sweet love or prisoner

reciting under breath this very verse
as mist and darkness break under the bridge
we wait to see which one emerges first.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2006

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