R - Odi et Amo
By Jack Cade
- 972 reads
They both came seeking sanctuary
They both seeped in from the cold
One was clad in creaking leather
the other in rags and gypsy garb
and the receptionist thought them both
equal in beauty
Sed nescio
It was notable in his handwriting
The bellboy did not echo that opinion
because he never looked up from the
tiny, tiny suitcases that seemed so heavy
Their voices were slight and subtle
as craft knives sailing through the paper
of aural membranes
Si facias amnia
The staff listened intently
even when their minds were on other tasks
The words courted their reason
fingered through the layers of masks
as though to kiss the very bone
pervert it slowly into shape
A kiss too soft and long to be known
One ordered mango for breakfast
She ate it naked while the servant waited
A breath of humour cooled his mind
but in doing so became tainted itself
He couldn't sense his own tongue becoming a knife
O di
Mulier mea
The other secreted herself
in servitude of the bay walls who knew
And behind the professional, "Anything you'd like?"
A passionate surrender to her every whim grew
They couldn't sense their own shells softening
O di
Mulier mea
These guests checked out some days later
Though not a one of them saw either leave
or could recall Odi and Amo exchanging a word
Though they appeared sisters, in manner and look
They didn't seem to recognise each other
The receptionist, the bellboy, the servants and maids
Though they would never admit
in spoken or written word
Each felt a piece of the sister was nestled
within them for eternity
Uale, puella
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