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[the Battle Of] Alesia
starvation starts with a body
to fill the cavernous
hollows formed by
out-jutting ribs and Ethiopian
belly:
thin but distended
a body to warm the concussed
and frightened;
the
meadow lark lying still
on the dew soaked morn
grass
hidden but yellow
unnoticed
and asleep
three hours. alone.
silent in the reeds
while the snake rustles: sneaking
uneventfully
through a downy, Moorish fog
father in the rocking chair
watching four, unaware
of his vacant, vaulted cathedral gut
shrinking, sinking - sewn up shut.
starvation always starts with a body.
Copyright ©
Paul Sylvester
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