LOVES

Al love is born within love
grows larger in its belly
spreads into its space, inhabits it
desires permanence, lays claim to time
prevails, enjoys its superiority
and as soon as it is satisfied with its gains
another love is born in its belly
grows larger, spreads into its space
threatens to tear it to pieces.
But sometimes lovers stop
feeding on their adversaries’ flesh           
and exchange stone likenesses           
that remain unaltered within the surrounding decay
and coexist without pointless hostilities       
more or less amicably, like the busts
of rival leaders in cemeteries.

LOVES