RIMA LXXII

      THE FIRST VOICE

Waves have a gentle harmony;
violets, a soothing aroma;
cold nights, a silvery mist,
            days, a golden light;
            I, something better:
            I have Love!

      THE SECOND VOICE

A burst of applause, a dazzling cloud,
a wave of envy that kisses your foot,
an island of dreams where anxious
            souls can relax.
            A sweet intoxication:
            that is Glory.

      THE THIRD VOICE

Riches are a glowing ember,
vanity, a fleeting shadow;
it is all lies: glory, gold.
            I love only
            what is true:
            Freedom!

    …………………………………….…………………………………….

So the boatmen went on singing
            their eternal song,
and the foam from the stroke of their oars
            was lit by the sun.

«You’re leaving?» they cried. And smiling,
            I said to them as I passed by:
«I did that some time ago; in fact my clothes
are still spread out on the beach to dry.»