PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

[After Luke 2:1-3]

I, too, resent those brash, verbal attacks 

the Senate raises any time our backs 

are turned. Far too political, these hacks: 

they talk until the candle burns its wax 

away. Of course no one likes bills in stacks. 

Such large expenses drain the Treasury. 

Gods know, we do not have that many sacks 

of Cleopratra's bright Egyptian gold 

left; although what a fine sight to behold 

in those days. She was well taught, with twin knacks--- 

obtaining cash and good publicity.

So much of Rome is wood---it burns, or cracks

as weathered boards, or strains beneath the weight

of upper floors.  But marble stone attracts

both fame and fortune as befits the home

of all the majesty and might of Rome.

Our worried Senators may soon relax.

I have a plan that, likely, will abate

complaints.  The whole empire must register---

(all subjects to their home towns)---to be sure,

right to the man, to whom we can transfer

the rising burden of building expense

defrayed by the whole world when charged a tax

(this makes for good fiduciary sense).

Or what use, really, is the Roman pax?

Starward

[jlc]