Nero & Narcissus
A humble poem for these humbling times
I don't usually repost something I've already put on Substack this quickly. But, yesterday, my poem (written in 2018) sorta came to life. So, dear readers, bear with me as I reshare this. I'm not a poet, but I play one on Substack sometimes.
Nero & Narcissus walked the scorched earth and spoke of many things. I am misunderstood, said Nero. So, too, am I, cried Narcissus. My music. My reflection. Such artistry. Such perfection. Others can’t know. How could they? They are unworthy. Utterly. Nero & Narcissus walked the dried riverbank and pondered many things. I do not regret, said Nero Nor do I, replied Narcissus. The ruins. The destruction. The cost. Annihilation. For what is Rome? Or a reflecting pool? Refinement wasted… …on poor damned fools. Nero & Narcissus looked at each another and weighed their disgust. Your vanity. Your excess. Such vainglory. Selfish extravagance. You repulse me. As you do I. Fare thee well, then. Yes. Goodbye. Nero & Narcissus walked the hollow earth alone. Each resolved to claim what was left for his own.
