24. Last day of museums in Florence

I believe I have seen everything to see with my Firenze card,

It was a good investment to making it easy instead of hard.

I just sectioned off a part of the City for all the sights

And, off on foot I went to see all that I might.

I probably walk over five miles a day,

And, my clothes are starting to sag…..yeah!

I went in tribute to my grandson Julian,

The Paleontologia museum.

A classroom of children patiently listened on the floor

As their teacher explained the history and more.

I laughed to think how fascinated kids from any culture have become

With sabertooth tigers, wooly mammoths, raptures, that’s just some.

Down the next block was the Spedale degli Innocenti

Or the  “House of Innocence ,” Europe’s first Orphanage for babies.

Opened in 1444, it is still operated today by UNICEF,

Although children are no longer left at the window doorstep.

The building is decorated with baby cameos in blue,

And when mothers left their babies, they left a mark as a clue.

These marks were either ribbons, coins, jewels or letters,

That told why they left them and will come back when it is better.

It wasn’t just illegitimate children that were left,

But mothers with no milk so the baby could be fed.

Some young mothers stayed with their babies to feed

And were given another to nurse that was in need.

The mothers were given a stipend and the children were trained,

The first welfare system and foster care program was named.

It was quite fascinating to see how successful over the years,

And, it made me remember and I cried tears.

When I was eighteen and my family begged me to give

My unborn child to someone for a better life to live.

I went once to a Catholic home for unwed mothers,

But left during the night because  I had my druthers!

As young as I was, I felt I needed to be,

The mother for my baby to see.

I read stories of the letters the women wrote in desperation,

Many were promised or were married, but faced separation.

The men just up and left them, nothing’s changed  from the ages,

Women were left with responsibilities and to make the wages.

Some children became successful, others died,

Reading those stories, again I cried.

I thought of my second son, and how his dad insisted on abortion,

I went to the clinic to witness the process and distortions.

After seeing the mutilation, I became sick

And decided I am keeping my baby – YOU DICK!

It makes me think of how one action can become,

A difference in the world, as in my son!

He is one of the Army’s elite, chosen to protect us all.

If I had been weak and decided to fall,

What a difference the world would be today

By some message unspoken, I knew these babies I had to save.

For these two magnificent men,my sons, I am so proud

“What a difference they have made in this world ,” I can shout it out loud!

In fifty years, this has been the coldest Florence season,

Yet, I keep walking and talking and sight-seeing.

I jump into a shop when I start to shiver and shake,

I’ve looked at purses n’ clothes, but too much to take!

One nice stop in a café for a glass of wine,

Warm up with Lambrusco and bide my time.

Website info

Museo Di Stotir Naturale Sezione Di Geologia E Paleontologia:  www.msn.unifi.it