Classic Poem

One by one, we left the black-shadow cities behind
and yet I've seen the gutter-yellow eyeballs
of high towers fixed on you.
And as we walked these unknown roads, my unholy ears
have heard, bubbling inside you, a shameless aria of lust.
And I've felt the roses in my chest
wither, dropping their petals one by one.

[Translated by Ranjit Hoskote]