Rome

It was the best dream of our race, 
and lived a 1000 years.
Roads to guide-or strangle?
Power to dispel man's fears...
Trade, sophistication,
faith, and word of law.
Thus was the world meant to be,
safe beneath your paw. 
With steady hand you wrecked each foe,
brick by brick,
and blow by blow,
until, at last, you stood alone,
with your foot upon the throne-
Your great strength was your great foil,
for when the time of trial and toil
at last came to its bitter end,
your son's ambitions made you spend 
your lifeblood's vigor for the right,
to laze in power in the light.
The gold they sought was weak and soft,
not like the iron once held aloft!
You failed slowly o'er the years,
your power falling like your tears,
until the land was wet with blood, 
and our dreams returned to mud.

22 February 2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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De Beaulieu Avatar
July 23, 2020 at 3:56 PM
Hello J.I. Thomas Rome has a lot of history to tell forom the past. An interesting city to visit. Enjoy your evening my friend.
F. Avatar
July 23, 2020 at 9:23 PM
Thank you! One would hope the "Eternal City" will always hold some new surprises for us.
B. Avatar
February 22, 2018 at 9:59 PM
Bravo !!! Enjoyed reading this.. Well, Well, done..
F. Avatar
February 23, 2018 at 11:02 PM
Thank you!
Raynes Avatar
February 22, 2018 at 9:37 PM
this is such a beautiful treatment of Rome and her history, great write Thomas
F. Avatar
February 23, 2018 at 11:03 PM
Many thanks
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