I, Catherine

I, Catherine the Great
- that’s what they call me -
am rather impatient
and I can hardly wait
for my next paramour.
I may be in my sixties
but my libido is young.
As young as my new lover,
the charming Prince Zubov.
I wonder how he compares
with Count Grigory Orlov
or the others I’ve had.
To give them their due
none of them was bad
and there were quite a few.
While my legs are wide open,
my ears are tightly shut
to those who persevere
in calling me a slut.
Even though I admit
that when it comes to sex
I like it quite a bit,
I must deny that slander,
which I found too coarse,
that on one occasion
I coupled with a horse.
I had so many untruths
told about me and my friends
that I begin to doubt
whether they’ll ever end
or like my late husband **
they will peter out.

© Luigi Pagano