The Babel

and babble of

all these  tongues--

the caged scholars

in the bowel's

of the Widener library

circle their

wired cages

like rats

gnawing on manuscripts--

the timeless

raven-haired girl

peasant skirt

a clasp of books

held close to her ribs--

In the pit

"The Branded"

jaded with nostril rings

flashing studded tongues

coiled serpentine tattoos.

 

The entitlement

of the bold titles

that scream for recognition

from bookstore windows--

the winding street-

the florid, bearded face

of the chess master

his calculating stare

 

Oh,

and yes...

I'm there.