Author Information
Nocturnes: Robespierre
Shoeless, some trudged up these stained steps with bare---
and some with silken, sheerly-stockinged---feet:
because you had come to the grim conclusion
that girls like them threatened the Revolution,
guilty of some societal abuse;
and, on your vague perception of that, killed.
Clad in last night's silk jacket, you stand where
they stood, wearing high-priced, gold-buckled shoes
that have a dandy shine, like your conceit
did. Filthy rags bind your shot-shattered jaw.
Silenced (and soon, forever) who instilled
in kings and peasants, once, terror and awe:
you must give up the last word in this scene
to her who greets you---Madame Guillotine.
