In those times of intrigue and of chaos,
When moods were dark as a rising nimbus,
Discontent whispered in the pronaos
Would surely wake the fury of great Orcus.
The stench of treachery, like rotting cabbage.
Ambitions masked as if by domino
And for the emperor's whim, Rome held as hostage,
Augustus had declared it shall be so.
Many would feel the edge of surgeon's scissors,
Oft doubt would be the shroud that wrapped the corpse,
And faithful servants lost their estovers,
While judges heard so many lies and warps.
Many tombs were drapped with pink hydrangea,
And widow's weeping eyes knew no mascara,
While brother treated brother like a stranger,
Others left by ships birthed at Carrara.
No humming birds hovered near the fuchsia,
And time moved at the pace of slith'ring helix,
On the pyre of time slowly burned the dogma,
From the ashes no rising of the Phoenix.
For Rome had reached the apex of plethora,
And many lived a life of subterfuge,
Now shadowed was Apollo's glowing aura,
The accusations poured as wild deluge.
For none would listen to the words of wisdom,
But the emperor still spoke with nonchalance,
And Rome would fall in ruins as did Sodom,
Perhaps the gods had given their response.
Gold trophy winner
Adding your comment:
So much has been said by the looks of things 
You have such a wonderful talent for bringing alive these moments in our past history. What can I say...very enjoyable 
