PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

Really, I protest that such things are done
in these days to a Roman citizen,
a decorated veteran, and the son
of Rome's most valorous centurion
(in his day).  What transpires within my home---
even the darkest of perversity---
should never be the least concern to Rome.
Freely she entered into slavery
to demonstrate her love's depth, utterly.
I even had her write a signed consent---
I thought that ought to be sufficient buffer
against the several things she had to suffer
to purify and prove her love for me.
(Why then should I regret it, or repent?)
The magistrate said such did not prevent
or abrogate my culpability.
The evil, he said, was in my intent.
As for my swiftly sentenced, slow demise,
he grimly laughed and muttered, "No great loss,"
as grinning bailiffs roughly jerked me out.
Now bound, contorted, on a sign-less cross---
my tongue cut off---I scream as one crow starts
to drive his beak into my private parts.
Meanwhile, a scrawny raven struts about
keeping a close watch on my seeping eyes.