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In Tuscany's green, grapevine covered hills --
it's Bacchus' old playground, don't you know --
he roamed its gentle slopes and sought his thrills

and on occasion would put up a show:
a Bacchanalia, if I'm not mistaken.
Chianti and Brunello run and flow.

Regrets, if any, for a road not taken,
were not in the god's nature, and besides,
I've heard it said that Bacchus would awaken --

broad daylight -- thank Diana for the tides,
and fall right back asleep. His pretty maidens --
used loosely here, as charity provides --

would belly dance and chant, seductive cadence,
with Venus and Voluptas as their guides

Slick cobblestones, eroded to the bone
by patter of a myriad stomping feet.
The slope is rather gentle. It's not known
when it was first constructed, but the fleet

would have been visible for many miles,
returning from a raid as young ones root.
The bloodied Viking warriors, all smiles;
their heavy vessels lade with slaves and loot.

Out by the cruise ship dock, no sign of blood,
or moans from those they sacrificed to Odin.
One hears just the occasional loud thud;
the laborers are loading and unloading.

Some will not disembark: seek plain diversions.
And others rate four stars. Want more excursions.


Author notes: https://allpoetry.com/poem/16028969-The-Ship-by-Agee

A Muse's work is surely never done.
Imbuing thankless poets with their sparks.
She's out there hustling, always on the run,
in search of ever wittier remarks.

Her work life balance -- please, don't even start.
Collapsing on the couch, a glass of red,
but mind still spinning, tries to do her part
for those whose only goal is to be read.

And they? They'll put acknowledgements and such,
with platitudes like "package deal, we share",
then frowning say: "you do protest too much"
if any shred of fame should fall on her.

You won't hear her complain, cause what's the use.
She longs to be the poet, not the Muse.


Author notes: https://allpoetry.com/poem/16994641-All-In-a-Day-s-Work--His-Version--by-Agee

A Muse’s work is surely never done.
She leans this way and that, to spur her lover
while he, transfixed, attempts to rediscover
that faint, elusive spark -- could it be gone?
In any case, it’s nothing like the sun,
but she will persevere, and loving, hover,
and aid, abet, and labor to uncover
those barely tepid embers; be the one
that’s on -- whenever he is on or off.
Encourage, mollify, and reassure.
Adore and praise when others tend to scoff.
Her consummate devotion simple, pure:
be there for every valley, every trough,
above all, and whatever comes, endure.


Author notes: https://allpoetry.com/poem/16996684-All-In-a-Day-s-Work--Her-Version--by-Agee