Wear leather sandals and carry
a bronze shield. Pluck out
the eye of at least one monster. Never
curse the gods, never. Have good aim.
Linger in the doorways of the mighty
like a stray dog. Pour libations.
Pour dust upon your exhausted
head luxuriously, unhurriedly. Grieve
baroquely. Mourn savagely.
Dream beneath cold stars
as the wine-dark sea rolls beneath
you. Learn a foreign tongue from a girl
balancing a water jug on her head. Forget
your own. Disappear. Show up
at the worst moment, and take
your sweet time basking in calamity.