love
lost
slipping

falling
fingers
lips


floundering

I cannot take the

pulsing
vein

hurts
too
much
think
light
trouble

close curtain
breathe


breathe

come here dearest
let me rub your back
I can tell you’re tense
let me make it
better
your fingertips are swollen
did that bee bite you again?
I’ll kiss it

breathe,
just mirage
but so real
must sleep
now

Sychaeus’ limp body
bloodied
brother comes to me
he was in my way, he says
it’s my turn to
rule
you must obey me now
I kiss Sychaeus’ blue lips
for the last time
I squeeze his hand
I’ll never desert you
you are my only

sweat
panic
dark
room
draft
I must get

out

I feel as if a noose
was loosened from my
neck
I cannot go
back
his presence is too
strong

I remember building that
coliseum—ground up
Elius and his men scoffed
at me when I carried stone,
laid it piece by piece
but that was a long time ago
when I was defined
by my city

they think I can’t hear their whispers
see their dropped glances
I know what will become of me
I am tainted by amour

there’s the river where
Aeneas
caress
arms
his reflection
go to

touch
fall
immerse my body with his


mirage

I can’t


how I long to wring
his beautiful neck
break his mule
legs
with this sword, I thee wed