SEBASTIANA

The images are restrained: scenic
languishing Virgins of the Death-Wish,
they are nude and rapt as arrows suck
purple out of notwithstanding flesh.

Their blood is a most becoming shade.
Dazzled as they are, and heaven-bent
on a scarlet cleanness, they parade
the slow smiles of their abandonment

to the mute adoring entourage.
A gathering witness, we observe
and sanctify this sticky outrage;
we love it; it is what we deserve.