Valkyries of the IV Room



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Valkyries of the IV Room

I could forgive

a lesser man than I 
falling in love with Magda:
columnar and battle-ready
her headdress mounted with fierce trophies
spits her words helas! Inshallah!

and quiet Sanaa

who holds the shield

a lesser man might succumb

there is Beena who sings

and bobs her head
sinks maiden-like to any softness

and Fatima-dragon’s-breast

hawk-beak
who glitters with armour

I would not meet her in tournament or fray

a handy fighting mate perhaps

while gentle Waki pities and smiles:

her darts are aimed at the vitals

But Magda is a warrior princess

her strong hands
weaker only than her glance:
doctors quake and acquiesce
yes sister they whisper
and withdraw

a brave man might fall in love

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