I.
nothing is true anymore
nothing was
nothing ever was, really
but it’s all so beautiful-

II.
I want an inkling
of the shadow
of your talent
of your soul and being.

III.
poets: a silly sort-
they let themselves immerse in emotions
natural selection and inevitability
will purge us all-

IV.
never compromise,
never double-cross yourself,
and always toss a few
gold-coins into the fountain,
for good measure.

V.
try and find meaning in these rows
it’s sitting right there, undisturbed
amid the soldiers and riflemen
amid the adulterers and sinners
amid poets and lovers-