Easter in Rome

Sunshine and snow on distant Alban hills, The splashing fountains in the Trevi Square, Bright flower beds among the Pincian pines, And children's laughter in the warm spring air;

Green slopes of Trastevere to the west, The brown and sluggish Tiber in a haze, A light-grey city 'neath a soft-blue sky; Chateaubriand's bust the placid scene surveys.

Three old men reading on a broad stone bench The great man's Senate speech on world affairs, As youthful scholars, scarlet-robed, march past The fragrant lilacs on the Keats House stairs.

Now twilight falls. In Peter's darkening nave Ten thousand pilgrims on their knees do pray, While from the sweet-voiced unseen choir floats down The heavenly music of the Tenebrae.