The Rape of Myt-ser'eu

- inspired by The Soldier of Sidon, by Gene Wolfe

Kitten, quiet and still
balled up among sharp rocks.

Seven men
maybe eight.  Knife, throat, walk

to the cave.
Lucius, his mind like a sheep's:

each new day
the first one of his life.  Greet

him wordlessly,
river-wife.  He forgets so many nights,

your laughter,
the pleasant mockery shining in your eyes.

Torchlight trembles --
sky blackens.  A great panther eats stars.

Once unfaithful,
you've nevertheless loved him with your life.