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Carnaval Terminale

Rio intoxicates itself into believing 
it may rage this way for all time
night after night
consuming itself in fleshy fireworks
incandescent laceworks
above the bared garter of Guanabara Bay

In Rio ecstasy is compulsory 
as an army decree
No regrets, no tomorrows 
if you please

Samba horns blast out in flower petals
in delirious music and cavalcades
insatiable beaded bodies
everywhere greedy to devour, to be ate up 
my soldier's liquor-slick lips draw near
my laughing mouth 
suddenly breaks into an animal howl
beyond all control
I am lost and alone in Rio's tyranny
lacking no earthly pleasure
save the scent of your silence, hands 
bereft of everything
This Forlorn Planet

Who is there?
Nazirah, you've come home

Yes Ekimi, I have come back for you
Remember, we reach Kinshasa 
under any condition

My insides tremble and desire outwards 
I am ready to burst
but I crave you more than anything

Hold on love, we're almost there
soon our skin will be unable to contain us
Don't be afraid for wherever we go
we will be together

Nazirah help me up, I am ready
let us unleash rapture
on this forlorn planet

people are bribing their way past roadblocks... health care officials have feared that if the virus were able to reach Kinshasa, it would use the city as a launching pad, spreading to the rest of the world via modern transport systems