The Death of Venice

As Venice faces the catastrophic effect of climate change, a poem looking at its history, and the sadness of today. There's a hidden easter egg or two referring to (1) a movie (2) a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. I visited Venice twice when around 11 and 12, and I once had a glass horse ornament, blown by the glassmakers (of which Venice was famous). It was a fascinating city.

The Death of Venice 

Don’t look now, it is under water
St Mark’s Square flooded out
Buildings taken to the slaughter
Tourists and locals flee in rout

Where Marco Polo was in prison
A Doge of Venice made so bold
Venice triumphant, has arisen
Commerce on the spice road

Galileo’s telescope made here
Stars above the lagoon inspires
Gondoliers glide and so endear
Take a pair of sparkling eyes

Climate change, no place to hide
As Venice sinks under rising tide

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There's a clip of an 11 year old me in Venice here. It's old 8mm cine footage and somewhat degraded, but you can still me and the pigeons in St Mark's Square.