Marshmallow Marble

It was so hot in Siena
that I could hardly bear to breathe.

The thought of queuing in the sun
on the steps of the Duomo was intolerable

so we sat in the shade
and admired the extravagant facade
and planned where to have lunch.

The columns curve and swirl upwards
in a riotous fantasy of pink and white

from the marble pavement
where the monk administrator
sits patiently at his desk.

In 1339 a massive extension was started
but the outbreak of Black Death in 1348.
limited the ambitious plans and the building stopped.

This is the cut-price version.

It reminds me of a fairy-tale castle
of pink and white marshmallows
that I created on top of a birthday cake for MissM.

I wonder if she remembers it?