Odyssey's End

the night has promised me
an unearthly tenderness

the sorrow of her shoulder
warm on my chest

I have outlived the wars I won
a hollow victory

washed ashore
friendless and alone

no ship, no crew
the golden spoils of Troy

glitter and tumble
in the shining surf

drowned with the toppled citadels
and fallen towers…

Ye Gods, what more have you to fear
from me

were I to spend the last years
after lost years

with Penelope?