The Horses of San Marco (Inspired by Canaletto’s Capriccio: The Horses of San Marco in the Piazzetta, 1743) Know us, you who gaze upon us. We were Greek once. Always the quadriga domini. Our eyed wings are gone— Eyed like the peacock’s— A peacock who spouts fire. Our chariot is gone— Yoked we were to A griffin’s head, Who, living, Had wings to carry His throne (Ezekiel knew its shape and color). Had we just our wings, We would lift the Basilica Up Up To God, Where it perhaps Has not been before. We are the cherubim-- Not the fat children you like in paintings-- Who know the facets of His Knowledge, Tear wisdom from the air With the ripping of our hooves (Jerome knew our shape and color). Behold us, small visitors— Not as we are in these still shapes, But as we are, As we will be again.
Daniel A. Rabuzzi has had two novels, five short stories and ten poems published since 2006 (see www.danielarabuzzi.com). He lived eight years in Norway, Germany and France. He has degrees in the study of folklore and mythology, international relations, and early modern European history. He lives in New York City with his artistic partner & spouse, the woodcarver Deborah A. Mills (http://www.deborahmillswoodcarving.com), and the requisite cat.
Amethyst Review 