About Lucy (whom I saw again)

Saint Lucy in the Church of Valcadara
by Ghiralamo di Giovanni
(Translated from the Italian by Timothy F. Tarker - 1976)

Saint Lucy won't last too much longer, I know.
She's delicate, falling apart.

With lines on her forehead and dismantled face,
She bewailing must heave shallow sighs.
It's amazing to me she remains with such grace,
Dissolving before vacant eyes.

I wish I could go with my crayon in hand
And doctor her up just a bit.
The color she takes is incredibly bland,
Though she tastefully manages it.

Her halo gives ground with degenerate speed,
As her smile firmly fixes to stay.
Time is to blame for this dastardly deed;
And art to be praised in its day.