Four Fountains After Respighi
Fresh mists of Roman dawn;
For water search the cattle;
Faintly on damp air sounds the shepherd’s horn
Above fountain Giulia’s prattle.
Triton, joyous and loud
Of Naiads summons troops;
A frenziedly leaping and mingling crowd,
Dancing, pursuing groups.
At high noon the trumpets peal,
Neptune’s chariot passes by;
Trains of sirens, tritons, Trevi’s jets heal
Then trumpets’ echoes sigh.
Tolling bell and sunset,
Twittering birds and calm;
Medici’s fountain, shimmering net,
Into the night brings balm.
JESSICA CARR