The Ultimate Chamber of Silent Adoration
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
“When Robbie Ross died, […] he triumphed over both Bosie and Constance, by having his
ashes interred in Oscar’s tomb.” ~ Jonathan Fryer, Andre & Oscar: Gide, Wilde and the
Gay Art of Living, p. 238
If you have failed to win the victory of
Devotion in your life, then death may give
A darker chance to prove your lasting love.
The burial of one man might outlive
Competitors he had in life. The mate
Who faltered in heart’s loyalty, the wife
Abandoned, fans who left him to his fate—
These all can be dismissed. But as the life
Of one true friend concludes, then he can change
The game anew. Alone among them all
He might at last play one last ploy, arrange
One final friendship trick. He might appall
Them, have his ashes buried in the tomb
Of greatness—and rest forever in that room.