In Ancient Times
Roman priests practiced divination
as a means of prophesying the future
they'd plunge a dagger into a temple dove
and eviscerate the living bird.
Then they'd examine the entrails,
especially their livers, for omens,
believing that the Gods would reveal what was
going to occur in the immediate future through such signs.
These readings would both bewilder and fascinate the curious
onlookers, when the augurs would raise their scarlet hands
and announce their awaited predictions.
The remaining doves would get released in a whirling mass
forming a vortex of flapping wings and feathers,
their direction of flight
also an indicator of divine communication.
Nobles would often bribe augurs for favorable predictions
to inspire their soldiers before battle.
These divinations were taken very seriously in ancient times.
It's said that Julius Caesar's death was prophesied by augurs,
and Caesar's adversary, Senator Cato, committed suicide
after he received an unfavorable reading.
(Free Verse)
6/16/2018
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