Dov’é la Sfilata, Mamma-- Where is the Parade Mamma?

Dov’é la sfilata, Mamma?
There! The magical panorama;
parade of lost souls,
listen to the staccato drum roll.

Dov’é la sfilata, Mamma?
Look! Pagan celebration persona
honoring the dead;
Knights marching armor clad.

Dov’é la sfilata, Mamma?
See! Bright beads of Mardi Gras.
Playing a clarinet,
is that Marie Antoinette?

Dov’é la sfilata, Mamma?
Watch! Men wear the panama,
light fiery Lantern torches;
Over there is Cervantes.

Dov’é la sfilata, Mamma?
Attention! The crowd gala
listen to the oratory;
Military salute Machiavelli.

Dov’é la sfilata, Mamma?
There! Float covered with flora.
Queens birthday parade,
Horses prancing cavalcade.

© 2005 Jacqueline Alexander