Dreaming in Corinth

I dream of Corinth

last night, Corinth

of the Corinthians, its

retired soldiers telling

war stories, its temples

marbled and majestic,

streets filled with noise,

smells, voices of an empire

shouting to be heard,

rich men preparing to feast,

poor men begging in the street,

freedmen watching the backs,

slaves giving the appearance

of not caring and impassive,

a middle-aged tentmaker

writing letters.

Photograph: Ruins of the Temple of Apollo at Corinth.