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