To love you, like they loved in Ancient Rome
An Abecedarian poem
A summer’s eve so clear. The
Breezes gently
Caress the cypresses while swaying them in
Dance.
Etruscan beauty, Venus of the mortal!
Falerno flows for you to rinse your soles. The
Gladiators fight to earn your laurel. May
Hercules assist them in their goal.
Intoxicating touch! A look so tender - that
Jupiter, benevolent in bliss, sends blessing of the God: A
Kiss like thunder. Electrifying
Lightning of a kiss. The
Myrrh is lit. And I address Olympos:
Necessitas, what tapestry you weave!
Of destinies, both intricate and simple.
Peccavisti! No peace for me this eve!
“Quid nunc” she whispers, bosom softly heaving.
Radíx malorum est cupiditás.
Sleep now, my love. The tapestry’s done weaving
There are no more of fateful threads for
Us.
Vae puto deus fio, I’m immortal!
While I soak up the sunrise on my skin
Xantippe in the corner shivers conquered.
Yearning for love, she solemnly leans-in, and whispers:
Zámia..
Footnotes:
Falerno - The most expensive wine in Ancient Rome
Necessitas - /Nechesitas /Goddess of destiny
Peccavisti! - I am guilty!
Quid nunc? - What now?
Radíx malorum est cupiditás - The root of evils is desire
Vae puto deus fio - I feel I am becoming a god
Zamia - Pain. Damage
About the Creator
Salomé Saffiri
Writing - is my purpose. I feel elated when my thoughts assume shapes, and turn into Timberwolves, running through the snowbound planes of fresh paper, leaving the black ink of their paw prints behind.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Keep reading
More stories from Salomé Saffiri and writers in Poets and other communities.
The Burnout Train
This poem was written in response to the Rattle® Poetry Ekphrastic Challenge for April 2024 and was ultimately not selected. You can find more information here. https://www.rattle.com/ekphrastic/ The image that this poem was specifically written about can be found here. (April 2024 – Gerrie Paino's “Night Train”) https://i0.wp.com/www.rattle.com/ekphrasis/EC24Apr.jpg?ssl=1
By Rae Fairchild (MRB)3 days ago in Poets
Peaceful Purpose
I have noticed that in the professional sphere, as far as I have noticed, that many people choose to come to work, mainly with the intention of collecting a paycheck, which I completely understand, unfortunately, we all need money to survive in this world. I also feel very strongly about the fact that if you are going to work in a profession, you should certainly treat that profession, whatever it may be, with the dignity that its purpose entails, whether you are working in the medical field, or working at a fast food restaurant, you should do you best to do the best job you can, because when it comes right down to it, we are all humans, going through the trials, and challenges that this life can bring us, by working together.
By Kaylon Forsyth5 days ago in Humans
Comments (4)
Lovely!🥰
I really like the ancient and sensuous feel, and you managed to utilise a lot of the letters in a Roman sense. Nice!
Your poem is lovely -- I enjoy your description of ancient cultures, myth and emotions with a twist of astronomy - it is my idea of delightful
Gosh, your poem was so elegantly poignant and those images were stunningly beautiful! So glad you provided a glossary. My favourite words are peccavisti and zamia! Loved your Abecedarian so much!