I studied the Roman epitaph
Translation provided by museum staff
Of a retired centurion of the 6th Legion
Scratched in letters three inches tall
on a gravestone found near Hadrian’s Wall
The name reads Titus Flavius Aquila
Praenomen, Nomen, Cognomen
Personal name, clan name, family name
Quite impressive
But I’ll keep mine just the same
I whispered the name and pondered
And couldn’t help but wonder
Could it have occurred to him, could he have thought
That two thousand years in the future
His name would still be remembered? Most likely not
A part of me likes to think,
I do that sometimes, especially with drink
In well-earned retirement, From his villa in the sky
A particular Roman centurion, heard his name echo
He looked my way, Smiled and winked
Categories:
flavius, history, imagery,
Form: Free verse
From: Governor Silva, Lucias Flavius
To: Commander, Legio X "Fretensis"
The Judean slaves finally finished the assault ramp.
Order the centurions to roust the legionnaires from each camp.
Give each of your legionnaires extra water and a double ration,
Then assemble the squares and set them in motion.
The last of the defenders are cowering behind the wall.
Well before nightfall, I should expect Masada fortress to fall.
Among Eleazar Ben Yair's Zealots are Sicarii assassins,
So ensure that each prisoner taken is searched for hidden weapons.
Capture as many as you can of them to be sold for slaves;
But toss all their dead off the cliffs--don't bother digging graves.
It may still be awhile before the Tenth Legions rotates back home;
When that day comes, I'm sure Vespasian will honor you all before Rome.
Categories:
flavius, conflict, jewish, patriotic, religion,
Form: Couplet
What Julian sought I have sought
In razed and restored clay temples
We have always worshiped words
These gods upon the Olympian crags
splinters of reason, waterfalls
splashing, numinously upon our heads
Then, i thought i ran out of words
life draining them, slowly, dripping
blood-like, into a sterile shallow pool
of responsibility, but i sense
your new words, surrounding me
i perceive it was just a deception
i am not just an animal, led
to the bleakest slaughterhouse,
i will go out bleating, words
and the last thing i hear
your new words, ringing
in my mad, but never cowed brain.
Categories:
flavius, history
Form: ABC