little rooms

in the little rooms
the trance arrives
then departs
and so forth

furious priests march in
beating their tambours
the drums, and the incense

imposing women, formidable as storms
rush over you
delirium in their wake

the keys to the little rooms
on a ring in your faded pocket
to find them you consult
the subway maps

these little rooms are always
similarly furnished --
a narrow bed, a lamp, a desk
reserved for you
in a decaying building
down in the slums of time