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Execution Parade From The Mamertine Prison
Nothing disturbs these Christians' dignity,
not even walking from the Mamertine
Prison: no compromise of courtesy,
not even when we "civil" Romans stoop
to epithets of crude profanity,
or fling refuse at them (sometimes dog poop).
Despite our gallows' humor and its jeers,
they do not give in to the normal fears
of death as they draw nearer to that brink.
Some go to Vatican Hill's cross or sword;
some go to Nero's gardens to have poured
upon them pitch, then hoisted up on stakes
and set on fire as lights while Nero takes
a late night's snackl. These Christians are a sign
of what is noble in our human living:
nothing of taking; but their constant giving---
of kindness, and of pardon undeserved;
and from that standard, never have they swerved.
Many are martyred. More will multiply
their spiritual fellowship which will survive;
and not survival only, but will thrive
forever: long beyond Rome's time to rule;
long past the time bestowed to us to die;
long after mankind no more plays the fool,
when stars shine no more, and no monkeys stink.
Starward
