#3 - King of the Six

 As Fay Roberts explores the Seven Classical Planets this month, ze starts far out with Saturn: 

We start in darkness – where else could we hide 
from father feasting at the edge of light? 
Bright issues spring from him, and more besides, 
his bloody harvest garlanded with spite. 

He tells us that his rule’s a Golden Age 
(before we learn to fear, and then to hate), 
and verdant meadows form an open cage 
without the fire with which we circle fate. 

But in the depths of winter tables turn, 
the lowest mounting up on stilts of mirth, 
and in the dark the merest glimmers burn – 
together we relearn to coax hope’s birth. 

While those about to die acknowledge him, 
it’s better to be sanguine than be grim. 

– FR

Avoiding copyright issues, Fay made this graphic zirself.

#21 - Legacy, Part II

Julia Maesa (c160 - c. 224 CE) sister-in-law to an emperor, aunt to two emperors, grandmother to two more. How we define women by their relationships to men!

I hear ya, Cecily – though I’ll say this:

I had two daughters (gave them both my name),

and they both married worthy men of fame

(as – on the subject – did my little sis).

They all had sons – the dynasty prolonged;

I spoiled those children (as a Grandma’s prone):

and placed them, lovingly, where they belonged –

as Emperors, upon a regal throne.

This family’s mine – the Empire by extension –

these young ‘uns worship me as matriarch.

Now I have all the power (and the pension) –

so hear my wisdom, Cecily, and mark:

you’re quite correct – yes, having girls is great –

but boys are easier to manipulate.

AWB

I've got a mate who can sell you one of these.

#8 - Bad Press

Caligula - Roman Emperor (12-41AD)

They say I was a ‘nasty piece of work’,
There was no depth to which I would not sink.
A megalomaniac, a massive jerk.
A cruel and evil bastard on the brink.

I did profess my godliness, that’s true,
And disagree with Senate once or twice,
But there are many things I did not do!
And I’ve been charged with every human vice!

But I brought back democracy to Rome
And rode the Bay of Baiae on my horse!
And what’s my legacy in every tome?
A potent sexual deviant, of course!

Or maybe I’m just lying through my teeth?
I’m thousands of years dead, so let me sleep!

LM

Bust of Caligula