Roman Politics

Roman Politics. 

The coldness of the night merged seamlessly 
with the coldness of daybreak. 
A weak sun did nothing to raise temperatures 
or spirits. 
The Legionnaires leather coats creaked and cracked 
as morning dew met forest mist. 
At the edge of the giant forest they all stood, 
lined out and disciplined. 
Waiting. 

Far across barren scrubland 
taunting voices shouted abuse and threats. 
Hidden deep in their own forest fortress, 
sporadic German tongues were cursing 
Rome. 

The battle was about to begin. 

The shouts turned to chants, 
the chants to howling. 
Weapons clattered sheilds, 
the waiting was over. 

Fire was primed and archers drew, 
calvary waited in the wings. 
Three words echoed down 
the infantry. 
"Strength and honour." 

The uncouth hoards burst forth, 
all the tribes united 
as one. 
Screaming out for murder. 

The Legion stood, waited, disciplined. 
Brought them on, 
waited, 
formed. 
Unleashed hell. 

One half day later 
Rome could cheer. 
A nice piece 
of involvement 
was again won 
for the Senate. 

The tribes were undone. 

For now.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Guzzi Avatar
August 3, 2009 at 1:15 PM
hmmmmmmm about war and blood but bloodless almost steril...make me see and feel it? Light & Love
Kershaw Avatar
August 2, 2009 at 4:03 PM
Ned, This is as fine a description of Roman Politics as any I have read, including Ceasars Gallic Wars. Another fine piece of work. Always, Will
Kendrick Avatar
August 2, 2009 at 2:34 PM
Interesting work. Sara
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