“I am singing now while Rome
burns.”

—  Richard Siken

Last update June 3, 2021. History

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Richard Siken photo
Richard Siken54
American poet 1967

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Richard Siken photo

“Here I am
leaving you clues. I am singing now while Rome
burns. We are all just trying to be holy. My applejack,
my silent night, just mash your lips against me.
We are all going forward. None of us are going back.”

Richard Siken (1967) American poet

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“I can't sing. As a singist I am not a success. I am saddest when I sing. So are those who hear me. They are sadder even than I am.”

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