Iconoclasm

they’re burning your effigy in
the churches of byzantium
and you can feel the flames
licking up the inside of your
leg

and it feels a lot like a
violation but it doesn’t because
this is what you wanted
(isn’t it?)

you wanted them to love you
(didn’t you?)
and this is how they’re loving
you
calling your name like a curse
to the clouds

and please won’t they
stop

the inferno’s engulfing you
can’t you feel it
as it strokes along your
skin

they’re burning your effigy
in the churches of
rome now
worshipping the scorch marks on
your arms

(it’s what you wanted
remember)