among Roman numerals
look into history
examine great events
you will not find
this moment
it drops through dates
untouched
like radio-light
through quartz
nor will you notice
two inclined against
a column
each balancing
a tricorn
from the commedia dell’arte
One pulling on a cigarette
the other smoothing a hem
There is no need for
conversation.
In the mayhem
that surrounds them
they are unconcerned
‘like figures in a dream’
you’d say
and forget
that we are they.