I watch him climb the pine pole early
His belt leather creaks soft and surly
The cobblestones drink pale lamp light
Rome breathes quiet before the bite
His pliers flash like gull wings diving
Each splice a knot the storm won't sever
The neighborhood wakes without striving
Connected now and bound forever
He strings the square with morning's telephone
Light spills where shadows stood alone
No voice yet travels on the line
Just promise humming pure and fine
His truck smells of oil and brine
Like the lantern room I kept in line
He tests the dial tone clear and clean
Each number finds its hidden scene
His pliers flash like gull wings diving
Each splice a knot the storm won't sever
The neighborhood wakes without striving
Connected now and bound forever
He strings the square with morning's telephone
Light spills where shadows stood alone
No voice yet travels on the line
Just promise humming pure and fine
Café chairs scrape on wet stone flags
Espresso steam joins wire song
He wipes his hands on grease stained rags
The network wakes distinct and strong
He strings the square with morning's telephone
Light spills where shadows stood alone
No voice yet travels on the line
Just promise humming pure and fine
I know the language of the spark
The sudden flare the steady glow
He coils the cable finishes his mark
Another circuit learns to flow
He strings the square with morning's telephone
Light spills where shadows stood alone
No voice yet travels on the line
Just promise humming pure and fine
Now elderly signoras call upstairs
Biscotti crisp in porcelain cups
The square hums soft with answered prayers
Wired deep where ancient history sups
He strings the square with morning's telephone
Light spills where shadows stood alone
No voice yet travels on the line
Just promise humming pure and fine
Rome wakes on copper bright and clear
The keeper watches draws him near
Wire song fades with the tide
Light holds the square open wide
