oh dear it’s not 
Saint Peter’s basilica
the Santa Maria del Fiore 
of flowers in Florence 
the Venice San Marco 
Assisi Saint Francis
or even the Parma 
tailing at tenth
of famous duomos in Italy

the Cortona Cathedral 
on republic day is alive
with real worship
as three pews of
neighbourhood youngsters
earnest with their parents
consecrate themselves in
the ceremony of first communion

and one not yet of age
kneels in anticipation 
of tomorrow’s grace