Once upon a time

 A warm blooded noble Italian

Punished for betraying his marriage vows

After six centuries have gone by

Francesca and Paolo’s passion

Captured by a pre-eminent realist sculptor

To render inner feelings

Through muscular movement

Vibrates deep emotion

Present in white marble surface

It was considered

Inappropriate for public viewing

One hundred and twenty-five years later

A centrepiece for Rodin museum

Millions people come

From all over the world

To admire bygone passion

Time changes everything

No one cares about Giovanni’s anger

All take in the ardour, intensity glows

Fascinated by a most sensuous kiss

If they weren’t discovered

Story would never have spread

If they weren’t killed

Legend would never have been created

In the twenty-first century

We appreciate the embracing couple 

 Glory in their then sinful affair

Worshipped by countless lovers

Turned the moment into eternity

Adoring fans have questions

“Dear Francesca,

Were you falling in love?

Or was it just a moment of lust?

Was it worth giving up your life for?

Do you enjoy been crafted

As a naked figure

Permanently interrupted

Without touching Paolo’s lips

 In cold hard stone”