Landscape with a Bridge

"What a loss for French art!"
the muse inspiring the poet was heard to say
but i didn't believe a word of it
and continued on my way
weeping tears and faking a fit
i sat unsteadily on my throne
until i got used to it.
from here, i saw the dim pupils
dressed fondly in their Sunday best
swarm like angry acolytes
to challenge me to a test:
from a rooftop framed in trees
i heard the bell tower chime
i saw a bridge across a river
and made it uniquely mine.