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.

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.

Cleverly penned, Ghosteen. Great write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

I enjoyed the beginning trickles of affection.
Then the dam broke at the confession!
I grinned the whole time:)

There’s a beautiful tension here –between ruin and tenderness, poetry and flesh. It’s as if love is both the wreck and the rebuilding, the prayer and the profanity. “Poetry passport will only travel me so far” might be one of the truest lines I’ve read about desire’s limits. Beautifully penned, Rob!

Beautifully penned, Thomas. Excellent write my friend. Appreciate you.

Damian

This would be a keeper in my book my friend .. I’m getting increasingly picky what I catch n release in my old age .. Neville 😎👍

I appreciate it, my friend. I agree. lol

“before my daily rebirth” I dug that line because the rest we get (sometimes) refreshes us, although for some more than others, it’s likely the last time. It reminds me that I have to be thankful for every day I get and try to make the best of it.
Nicely done.

I turned 78 today, so I hear you loud and clear. Each night, one wonders if dawn, or something else, or nothing at all will come. We get one of them, but not our choice.