Matthew R. Callies

Red and Blue in the Piazza

In Florence square the warriors collide,
Leather ball in hand, the bodies press,
No mercy walks where city pride won’t hide.

The crowd erupts as flesh and force collide,
Each charge, each tackle, sharp as swords confess,
In Florence square the warriors collide.

The dust ascends as men are tossed aside,
The whistle blows, then silence—and distress,
No mercy walks where city pride won’t hide.

Red meets blue with fury none can guide,
A rush of heat, of sweat, of raw excess,
In Florence square the warriors collide.

The goal looms near, the desperate run is wide,
The ball spins out, defying each duress,
No mercy walks where city pride won’t hide.

When victory is claimed, and teams divide,
The piazza hums with tales that will impress,
In Florence square the warriors collide,
No mercy walks where city pride won’t hide.