Masterpiece The Tower of Pisa is a unique beauty. To admire and protect it      is the whole world's duty. I wonder: did its architect and master builder rot in a stinking dungeon      for erecting such a marvel      on a layer of wobbly gravel? Oh no! exclaims the Mayor. You should know that every tourist guide recites their famous names      with utmost reverence and pride. For did the masterpiece not lean and bend, its fame would long have paled      and, with it, the town's mighty rent!   Stan Sýkora, Pisa 1995, part of Perpetuum Mobile I go to Pisa quite often. When I have to stay overnight, I usually sleep at Hotel Italia which is a rather a drab establishment across the street from Piazza dei Miracoli. The verses were inspired by the view of the Piazza from the hotel window. Out of season, drenched in an autumn drizzle, it looks as incongruous as a new wedding dress in a sewage dump. Besides, I am really amused and fascinated by the unique ability of Italians to turn major engineering blunders into fame and money. Log Cabin | English Library Stan's Library | Stan's HUB Copyright ©2004 Stanislav Sykora    DOI: 10.3247/elcl09.015 Designed by Stan Sýkora