pax Versions I and II

Rome offered constant entertainment to keep their citizens' attention diverted from the powerful rich and their disastrous toll on the Empire. Is the same thing happening today? revision follows.

version I
  

bread and circuses,

spectacle and savagery,

blood flowing like wine,

mighty Caesar hopes to bank

the seditious fires that

smolder in the breasts

of his common citizens.

“divert my subjects’

thoughts. let them forget want, need,

hunger, war, taxes and plague.”

bounteous pleasures

will guard the mighty Caesar

‘til piteous cries

of hungry children waken

their fathers -- blood flows like wine.

 

Version II

bread and circuses,

spectacle and savagery,

sweat, water and wine flowing:

mighty Caesar hopes to bank

the seditious fires that

smolder in the breasts

of his common citizens.

“divert my subjects’

thoughts. let them forget want, need,

hunger, war, taxes and plague.”

bounteous pleasures

will guard the mighty Caesar

‘til piteous cries

of hungry children waken

their fathers -- blood flows like wine.

 

Author's Note

rengo (more than one tanka linked) tanka is 5-7-5-7-7. This subject is a fervent belief of mine. playing with line redos. friend suggested "blood flows like wine" was cliched, so I changed one line, but kept it on the last line. Whaddya think?

Reviews

[Angi]

You betcha the same thing is happening now! So many people can name off movies, songs, what Brad Pitt and Angelina are up to, etc. Ask them about the things happening in this country. Ha! It is a joke. Love this. I hope people read it and think! Angi~

[Zahra]

cool, a masterfully crafted write. Very nice

[Frieda P]

Corruption is echoed blatantly throughout this entire read, could be our modern society is headed in the same direction, watch anything online, a bit different theatrics but much the same. Very intriguing read, much food for thought here.

[Sami Khalil]

A splendid read and write...Thank you for sharing...:)

[annie lee]

Thanks for reading Pax. I have been lurking about reading your popular poetry, but have been silent so far. I will no longer be silent.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow. Good to know...You are welcome...:)