Reading Ancient History in the Evening

In my dreams I am cremated in the burning Library of Alexandria.

Can you inhale the knowledge of late antiquity?

I will try to remember that the Earth is a spheroid nonetheless,

and that the world is composed either of fire, water,

or numbers.

Much of this I do not understand,

but the Egyptian sky is so beautiful, as I see it

from the collapsed ceiling of this ancient monument.

I realize why they built it

and why they burn it down.

Papyrus smoke smells so sweet.

I wish you could smell it with me,

before I am crushed

by debris.

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Steven Gowin, Jan 30, 2014

Yes.

I realize why they built it
and why they burn it down.

This one's sweet as papyrus smoke, front to back.

Jake Barnes, Jan 30, 2014

Don't let the debris crush you. Get out of the way. *

Gary Hardaway, Jan 31, 2014

Remarkable poem.

Amanda Harris, Jan 31, 2014

I can hear everything fall apart as I read it.*

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