A waft of orange blossom announced liberation.
Behind walls , behind hands citizens counted their dead
as the young ones danced to the pulse of spoiled wine.
A new century, a curse removed by soothsayer.
Prisoners burst from bondage, garments askew.
A comet illuminated manuscripts and salvaged jewels
in a church repossessing its soul for a tired god.
What had faded into haze was now as fresh as fruit
for new lovers discovering touch and weapons of love.
Carved stones slept in pockets in search of the warmth
To applaud peace certain bodies were feathered and tarred.
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