Rome, Do Not Shut Your Eyes

Poem

Image created by author with Midjourney AI, all rights reserved.

I have seen Rome and all her wonders,
seen the sun fall like a red rose
on the hot marble of her streets.

In my mind, I’ve seen soldiers marching in perfect step,
seen the moon rise over palaces,
Rome’s pillars and arches gleaming white.

By the light of a thousand lamps,
I have seen the glory of an age that has faded,
heard the decadent laughter

of rich women in their courtyards, and the
keening of a matriarch telling
the story of how her son died.

I came for glory
and found it in a cave,
naked and full of light.

Also by Erie:

Freedom, Yes