Last puzzle-piece for Fontegaia, chapt. 2 :

28 (coda)

 
So the Tuscan tinkers' toy Troy-town
on the hilltop (miniature Hippo
in the August sun) is ensign now
of end-signs (Jonah diving underground).

 
As eighteen tender feet translate to nine
spheres circling the sunlight glimmering
in streambeds brimful from the swelling
horse's hoof (gold-beaten shoe-iron)

 
one distempered Hobo (smoking pot
on mossy bank) dips his toes
in winking night, 'mid rows
of rock-doves in a railroad lot.

               
              *

 
They raced beneath the tower there
for the joy of racing, just as
a pride of lions circles a carcass.
Fabulous exfoliation, flair

 
of summer flares, embodiment
of equilibrium of men and horses,
laughter and money, knives,
smiles... the ancient, famous

 
tournament.  Stiff-neck mastery
of recreation.  A gimp-legged
padre (or his younger brother)
pegs last place (stigmata-victory).

               
              * 

 
Early in the morning, only a trickle
in the fountain.  For the boy's
best friend (a brittle wooden horse)
it is sufficient unto the day.  O fickle

 
people! - a child shall lead you then.
Alongside the last-place colt
of goofy Bernardino (grinning dolt
of God) a merry band or procession

 
of beggar-lads... the fool's parade
circles the Campo, heads to Cathedral
where they'll toast the empty saddle
once again - O dim charade, slow oracle!

          
                          11.27.07