Imperial Rome

Imperial Rome

I am imperial Rome and I am proud!

I am western civilization's cloud.

I emerged from a trivial republic 

to be made known to a global public.

I was conceived by Romulus and Remus,

and birthed by the legendary Augustus.

I am bastion of Italy's peninsula,

I break the frontiers of the insular.

Europe, Africa, and the Middle East 

were all in my historic vanquished list.

I emerged the undisputed victor 

when I strangled Carthage like a constrictor.

I made all flesh servants of the Caesars,

to act as the empire's preponderant pleasers.

In my amphitheaters and coliseums,

gladiators entertained me to the death.

With my thumb down, many drew their last breath.

With my thumb up, several others were spared.

To preserve their lives, gladiators came prepared.

I spoke Latin; the source of cognate tongues,

the language in use for your Catholic songs.

I am Rome, and I still adorn your museums.

My millennial presence is the world's landmark.

I long since fell, but remain your brand mark.

Author: Joseph C. Ogbonna

On OMPJ 

Photo Credit: David Köhler on Unsplash