Lupa Capitolina

babes she found in the wilderness

lying abandoned, harsh the elements

deep in unforgiving woodland

the wind it whistles as she howls

babes, she offered them protection

her paws tho' tired, march onwards

like they were her very own kin

wind it whistles, as she howls

keeps them sated with her milk

only took pause for a breath

to nuzzle them close, defenceless babes

she-wolf stalks the wilderness

only took pause for a breath

concealing her plight, dutybound

in search for a place for her wards

her paws tho' tired, march onwards

they suckle on her life-giving milk

she howls, wind whistles, world turns

the babes, safe in her warm embrace

she marches until she reaches a place

for them to call home

home that became a mighty conquering nation

"Senatus PopulusQue Romanus"

*

Thanks for reading!

Author's Notes: This is for Raymond G. Taylor's inspiring new challenge, Wolfy Tales, which you can learn more about by following the link below this blurb. I was looking for artwork to take further inspiration from in addition to the Nordic lines Ray supplied, and as a big fan of Jackson Pollock, I loved this less abstract piece, The She-Wolf, from before he started using his "drip technique".

As is the case with all of Pollock's work, there is no clear interpretation, as he preferred to leave things open, but a common belief is that he did take inspiration from the tale of Romulus and Remus, who were said to have been cared for by a she-wolf named Lupa. The twins then gave birth to Rome.

That is a very short and sweet version, but you can read more about the piece and the myth in the links below Raymond's challenge link.

Here are some other things by me you might enjoy: