By an Austrian church Tower
In Vienna near the center,
Leading cobblestones to brick
Pacing towards our place to enter.
Jingle coins inside my pocket.
Find two Euro, pay the toll.
Skipping forward toward the steps
Pay a shilling for a stroll.
Rustic stones that meet your fingers
Porous rock engraved with years.
Marching quickly around each bend.
Stairs that never disappear.
Count each step until you’ve reached the top.
Gazing before you, smile aglow.
Three-hundred and forty
To see the beautiful street below.
From this glorious sight you must depart.
Down the steps once more, you descend.
Staring up at porous ceilings.
Bittersweet at journey’s end.
From this Austrian church tower
In Vienna near the center,
Comes a spirit of joy refreshed
And a soul in which to enter.
Amanda Jackson
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/st-stephen-s-cathedral/
