Under marmalade skies
over sands swept whirling,
midst the wind of one night
I learned my Rome was burning

While the flames sneaked higher
I trudged forth like some cattle,
looking onto the horizon
when under my nose
Rome burned in the shadows

Smoke danced to the moon
but first ran through my eyes,
clearing my vision
memories crashed back like the tide

Now under the moon
she was new and enticing,
the way that city smiled at me
was beautiful
but fueled by brevity
like lightning

Quick flashes of maybe
her lips and story made me
see the glass as half full

I bore the weight of that city
under the moon,
now her presence is an obstacle

I used to speak
simply to hear her voice,
but now unprovoked silence
and no chance to make a choice

Under marmalade skies
I learned that Rome was burning,
even as she led me away with smiles
masked fires were churning

Over sand swept whirling
her ashes play through the beac,h
through the rain
through the lightning
shared memories grow deceased

All that's left of my city
is a shell.
and in its grain I see her face,
I throw her into the bay
wishing I found the spark
that made my city now erased