Siena Italy. Poem by Michael Cochrane

In the Tuscan hillside the cypress trees stand tall the hills roll out in waves of green.
Siena wakes to colorful flags in the summer breeze and later the beat of the drums.
In Piazza del campo round the centuries the Palio race was run.
Ten horses are ready to move held by the reins by jockeys in silks bareback riders each Contrada is represented!
Ninety seconds of passion and excitement.
The signal is given and the whirlwind of hooves on ancient stones begins, the flags are raised like flames in the August air.
Michael Cochrane ©️ 2026