Roll you hair above your neck
let me fortress centuries of love bites
upon your skin, where no warrior
would ever dare cross our moat
The ghost of Caligula
haunts my city walls,
my heart remains legion;
my mind is a bruise
which only bleeds kindness,
forever chasing the arrow
Desire may come in to being
once the secrets of my karma sutra
are lit by a thousand candles,
no need for matches
your words are fuel
Roll you hair above your neck
let me fortress centuries of love bites
upon your skin, where no warrior
would ever dare cross our moat
The ghost of Caligula
haunts my city walls,
my heart remains legion;
my mind is a bruise
which only talks to kindness
Desire may come in to being
once the secrets of my karma sutra
are lit by a thousand candles,
no need for matches
your words are fuel
I like how the poem casts Caligula -a figure known for cruelty -into a haunting, reflective presence. I feel intrigued and a little unsettled: his brutal history seeps through with a mild, almost playful sadism, yet the poem channels that darkness into a tender, romantic meditation on desire, resilience, and the quiet power of love. Beautiful.
An artistic and intriguing comment. I lived in the English city of Chester for some time and it’s steeped in Roman history,. Think it may have had some bearing on this scribble. Thank you.
Passionately penned, Ghosteen. Incredible write my friend. Appreciate you.
Damian
Thank you D
Effective personal storytelling through historical abstractions. Your words are both sharp and tender. Always glad to see you posting here.
Many thanks B