Every year, on the same date

to V.F.

I never wanted to be just one among multitudes. My delusional eyes were accustomed to being spectators at an endless raging circus.

I remember it: my feet obeyed the delirious rhythm.

Someone shouted: A little faster! Imperiously

(or another sort of violence).

The truth is I was there without being there.

And then I heard strange phrases for the first time:

“Coerced freedom, purchased at the fair’s bargain price.”

Only the doves’ sudden flight brought me back to myself

elevated me.