Palimpsests, 2

... some pushcarts and earthen pots,
a slave or two to stamp urine hot
baths to wash away
syphilis
that well-strung Nubians
bring.

It's starting to happen
now--
as the agora throngs with crowds,
and gladiators chase away beasts
(in exchange for their names);
those that linger just a little
too long
who watch best
watch least.

I, too, chase a single...
Beast.
Foaming at the mouth,
hot hammering core;
my temples ring
with song!

I, too, long...

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