Velvet curtains lift slowly, the wine starts to pour, 

The stones breathe my name like they’ve done it before. 

 

Each bridge greets my footsteps, indulgent, aware,

The air folds around me, my perfume still there.

 

I’ve come here too often to count or repent, 

Each sin was on purpose, each hangover rent. 

 

The city forgives what the saints can’t define, 

Ruin looks better when the ruin is mine.