Notes About The Poem
DEDICATED TO THE HISTORIC POET, AND MY LITTLE MAJI ENJOY MY FRIENDS. CHERI ALSO TO  MY DEAREST SKAT 

The Coloseum

The Colosseum, welcome young gladiator,
To the arena of death, sharpen thy sword, and raise
Your shield high, bow to the emperor, known as
Caesar.
Listen to the mighty roar of the crowd surrounding
You, is it not a deafening sound, seemingly, by it's sheer
Force alone, causing the earth to shake around thee.
Behold you've been chosen to compete, in this the
Cathedral of crushed bones and mangled flesh.
Here where victory's foe, may drown beneath a
River of red crimson, from his own brethren kindred.
A marble lain thunder dome, to quench humanities
Insatiable lust, for blood's sport, torture and mayhem. 
The deadly game meant to appease, the crowd,
And high born bred royal, and nobility.
Behold the grand delusion put on full display,
As the Christian Martyr, falls upon his crucifix
Of faith, embracing salvation, to cultivate
A new religion, yielded by the mortal
Fleshes sacrifice.
Dine well king of beasts, smiling with a cattish,
Grin, of sheer delight, licking his paws after
The feast set before him, is done with it's screaming.
Trumpets sounding horns, announce the next act,
To step forward upon this stage of twisted reality.
Be bold youthful Gladiator, for experiences sword
Arm faces opposite of thee, waiting for the signal
To be given from above.
Clashing titan's of survival, warriors with weapons
Drawn, leaving no quarters for retreat, mercy's resolve,
Lies only at the sharpened edges blade point.
It is to the triumphant, goes victory's  spoils,
He whom receives, the thumbs downwards sign, lives.
A heroic image, limping and bloody, half falling
To his knees, to bow unto the majesty and might
Of Rome itself.
Achieving the greatest prize of all, to live
And see another days dawning, 
And fight another battle,
Within this ancient mausoleum of doom.

BY: CHERYL ANNA DUNN
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

Poem

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Watson Avatar
February 23, 2014 at 10:18 PM
Wonderful historic piece , My lasting memory of Rome is the price of everything . The one and only time I have ever had to visit a bank abroad to replenish my funds .
Guzzi Avatar
February 18, 2014 at 7:04 PM
When I saw the coliseum it was being held up by scaffolding, I bet its all renovated now! I enjoyed this flash back in history.! [A high born and bred royal] Light & Love
Lamoureux Avatar
February 18, 2014 at 9:23 AM
Consider "A marble lain thunder dome" the colosseum is magnificent still, even though all the marble has been stripped away. I enjoyed your epic piece Cheryl.
Andresen Avatar
February 17, 2014 at 12:27 PM
- Being drawn into a time long ago ..... a very well written poem my friend Cherl - I blow the trumpet for you !!!!! - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
B Avatar
February 17, 2014 at 7:53 AM
Cheryl, Another powerful write about history. I love the way you make the reader feel as if he or she is in the middle of these tales. "River of red crimson, from his own brethren kindred." This line is powerful from an emotional standpoint, and the alliteration along with reinforcing the color of red really makes the imagery vivid. Thank you for sharing, and for stopping by my poems.
Kendrick Avatar
February 17, 2014 at 7:49 AM
A sad bit of history..I am glad that you chose to remind us what hate and intolerance can do..Thanks for the visit ..Sara
A   Avatar
February 16, 2014 at 9:18 PM
Hi Cheryl, a mighty poem. You are fascinating, I like how you kept the real image. I was hooked pass the first two lines. I knew it was going to be a good show. I have to agree with you. This is from the best side of you. I felt as if I was there in the Colosseum, watching gladiators fight till their deaths. Roaring up a storm, Sorry I feel as if I was part of the crowd, in a past life:) Wanting and pleasing with the action, watching each one mangle the flesh right off. Cesar, a man against men :) luv~ Linda
Allison Avatar
February 16, 2014 at 8:07 PM
wow incredible imagery fabulous write, Jan x
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