Hurry, little laughing girls With flying skirts and dancing curls. Grip moist pennies in your hands Where the hurdy-gurdy stands. Run, you boys, with laugh and shout -- See the monkey dance about, With his red cap perching high Over one sagacious eye, Holding out his cup of tin. Hear the pennies jingle in! Hear the tunes that you will hear New springs whisper in your ear Long years after -- while you wonder What lost window they are under! Watch the merry breeze that blows Franco's winged mustachios While he grinds, with far-off eyes -- On what blue Italian skies! Let two lovers pass this way, Pleased with all their words can say, Still more pleased that something draws More than words, until they pause Silent, gazing in surprise -- Springtime in each other's eyes! Windows open to the notes -- Some forgotten fragrance floats Inward, and the curtains stir As if changed to gossamer ... Now so many people stand Gripping pennies in the hand, Hearing, very far away, Other hurdy-gurdies play. |