in Syracuse

here
where the master's penetrating mind
unveiled some of her secret laws

as in revenge
the earth keeps trembling on
throughout the centuries

the winds are furious
the waves crash hard
upon the harbor rocks

Greek amphitheatre
Roman arena

the church built in
the Hellenistic shrine

the Renaissance palazzi

they all withstand
just barely
and with weakening strength
gravity's ceaseless

deconstructing

downward

pull