Catullus: Odi et Amo by Frank Bidart

 

I hate and love. Ignorant fish, who even
wants the fly while writhing.

*

Catullus: Excrucior
I hate and—love. The sleepless body hammering a nail nails
itself, hanging crucified.

*

Catullus: Id faciam
What I hate I love. Ask the crucified hand that holds
the nail that now is driven into itself, why.

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