By Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes
SIRENS OF AMATHUS
The shattered skull of Amathus
buzzes with invaders
from unexcavated countries
Visitors comb
temple splinters
whose gods have been sold
to the sirens of human immortality.
By bus loads
they arrive
to shoot themselves in Roman baths
Dig shadows
deeper in debt
to the ashes of civilizations
billed as tourist distractions
Note: Amathus was an ancient city on the island of Cyprus with Phoenician, Greek, and Roman roots.
Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended Herbert Hoover High School and went on to study Religion and Theology at the University of San Diego. His book Intimate Geography, published by Ragged Sky Press, won the 2012 San Diego Book Award for Poetry. Ish, as he is known, has also written lyrics for German musicians Andrea Hörkens and Thomas Roderburg (Tender Art).
Latest posts by Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes (see all)
- Word’s Out | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 14, 2018
- Political Love Affair | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 7, 2018
- Deer Tracks | Geo-Poetic Spaces - November 30, 2018
