we walked these roads to Rome,
shook hands with the terrible guest
and dined with the cordial host
on spoons of the family crest.

i rented an understanding 
for your illustrated dismay
and squalled under snowflake nights,
when only remorse could dissuade.

i harbored a shameless hyena 
in my sophomoric extent.
strike, saber-toothed fear of faith -
the blinded seers consent.

such charlestons dance we on air
of our mystical bricks,
but doubted lips beckon snow
for less ecumenical kicks.

1.16.99