Urbino Poem by robert dickerson

You are my indifferent conqueror
I, your willing prisoner,
Urbino, and if there can really be
chattel where chattel is voluntary,
your slave as well. Burning shame
covers a caitiff, but I fondle my chains
and proudly slip your shackles stuck with peonies and cowslips
over my ankles and wrists;
for how resist when even Nature
fawns at your heels, comes cantering when you call
dutifully donning bridle, saddle
carting roots and field-flowers to your portals.
Receive me, dear, calm in the realization
that love blooms less in person than occasion.