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Carole Simmons: Oles A Fine Example

May 16, 2011 by PBQ

The late cinquecento Venetian bride
displayed upon a ledge beside their bed

this marriage goblet: emerald glass, enamel
red and blue, the rim gold granules;

gilt the fluted base, the portrait bride’s
curls and bodice trim, whose arc two strands

of pearls repeat—gems La Serenissima
forbade loose women. The bride’s bouquet

a certain lily, her medallion frame laurel
and a Cupid pair. In women, Dolce railed,

Look not for eloquence, intelligence, talent
for living, or anything but chastity. Quaint.

More true, the bridegroom opposite his love
proclaims along a scroll Amor vol

fe, as any lovers might—Love
requires faith. Like light that passes
through this green Venetian glass.

Filed Under: Contributors 68, Issue 68, Poetry, Poetry 68 Tagged With: Carole, Contributors 68, Poetry, Poetry 68

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