I’ve only known one emperor in my life. He called
himself Zenon and did odd jobs at my parents’ house.
He worked only at night.
During the day, he hid. Sometimes we caught a glimpse
of him, under a disguise. I’ll always remember the
orphic throne’s silence and all I didn’t see, behind
the delightful picture of kittens hanging on the wall.
He left us one October morning, a long time ago. We
found the remains of his crown in the pear tree. When
he left, he blocked up the low door of the garden.
I know nothing more to tell about this emperor. And if
I’ve written that his name was Zenon, it’s out of
friendship for those who speak of gilded armor when
they return from the goat-herds.
(Paul Colinet)
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Based on Topics: Life Poems, Night Poems, Nature Poems, Friendship Poems, Name Poems, Morning Poems, Garden PoemsBased on Keywords: orphic, goat-herds