The Alexamenos graffito. Palatine Hill, Rome, ca. 200 CE.
When I was small in Africa we called it "your bum."
In England, it was your arse.
But in America the Saxon r was dropped
(deemed arsy-versy?)
in the Earsification of everything,
and it became "your ass"
(that humble beast of burden).
What’s in a name? Why everything!
It’s by their names we know the things we love.
Speak to it gently as you kiss your own goodbye.
It’s served you well, I trust? A faithful companion. But now it’s time to jump.
Volod'ka's in the kitchen, Xi's out on the stoop,
Bibi's in the bathroom, tooting the Last Trump.
June 10, 2024