Devon Balwit

Still Wonderful

Whatever war-damage it has suffered,
however smaller it has become,
it is still a wonderful city.
                   (C.P. Cavafy)

Either we are or are not a great empire,
some days reigning from a distant throne,

cells well-trained legions splitting
and sloughing, others chasing rebellions

raging far and wide, everywhere burning
to the smack of clubs, the cloy of carrion.

Devon Balwit is her body’s benevolent despot.