Dichroic Glass

Caesar turns from the window.
He holds a goblet. The glass turns color
with the light behind it— flecks of gold
smaller than the eye can see
bend light. Pale green for water, red for oil,
brown for arsenic, murky green for nightshade,
violet for hellebore, electric blue for Amanita…
such are the concerns of an emperor’s cup.

Caesar turns from the window
hearing crowds call his name. He wishes
for magic glass to show him
the true colors of men’s hearts poured
into his cupped hands. He holds
only an empty goblet.

Available! High-Voltage Lines, Knocking from Inside