We walk through the water
Three inches over the whole of the piazza
Maybe it's true what they say
About Venice sinking
Small worms appear
Like those after a rainstorm
I slip and fall
Laughing on the way down
With a caring smile
He reaches out a hand to help me up
"What about Les Mis?" he says
As he pulls me to my feet
I look at his right forearm
and see
The most beautiful Buddha
And a stark black and white bar code
Tattooed there
