The church of Peter and Paul we toured,
While another busy morning we endured.

All the Tsars are buried here in this place,
In their own marble covered space.

Lunch was served in the palace of Nikolaevsky
Soup, salad, desert and coffee or tea

The Hermitage visit was my second time
But the art condition was not as fine

Rembrandt’s 26 paintings are exposed to humidity and sun
Eventually the damage cannot be undone

Through an open window the sun was shining direct
On the paintings without provision to protect

One of the most splendid museums in the world I hear,
But without proper care it all will disappear.

In their eagerness to collect every dime,
They let in to many visitors at one time.

There is no time to stand and reflect
Because with the next group the halls are decked.

I just hope they focus on conservation
To safe some for the next generation