she shines too brightly for him
her light he feels dims his

this scarlet woman
who gave herself up to all
has had her time

he takes another
takes her full
in front of Leah
now his equal
and that cannot be

she who gave everything
took everything
every beast
is now cast aside

Clytie tries to console her

no worries girl
no worries
continue your work
the great work
without him

he has become nought
but a naked hulk

and you?
and you?

the sun peers
through your ribs

your lips are red
your looks are free
a star-dogged moon

Paul Conneally
11 October 2026
Cefalù, Sicily, 1pm