SPQR

When Caesar strode out from the waves to this shore

With a Legion, their breastplates in line,

He came uninvited, his purpose was war

‘All this island,’ he said, ‘will be mine!’

He came as a messenger, bringing the claims

Of an Empire that wouldn’t hear ‘No!’

So I told Mirabel, as we danced on that beach,

It had happened a long time ago.

 

I’ve always been drawn by the sea’s winter show

And the sandhills, or cliffs tall and bleak,

As the westerlies blow, or when covered in snow

When the southerlies play hide and seek.

In summer the ripples are gentle and slow

As they eddy and swirl at low tide,

But winter sees waters that rage as they flow

To beat up on the barren Cliffside.

 

The sea is a mystery, second to none

In the depths and the deeps of its way,

The smell of the seaweed and tang of the salt

As it blows in my face with the spray,

I would walk at the headland by day or by night

And return by the way of the beach,

When the sky was still bright with a cumulus light

Or be louring, dark and oblique.

 

They said that my life had been ebbing away

From some sickness, they didn’t know why,

I had spent all my options, had nothing to say

But I knew I was going to die,

On this beach where the tide may well carry me out

With its flotsam, to weed-winding deeps,

Where the coral and starfish and conch they all lie

And the fairytale mermaid, she sleeps.

 

They said I’d have visions approaching the end

And I waited that day in despair,

My heart had been broken when Mirabel left

I had only one lock of her hair,

We had played in the shallows, kissed under the cliff

As the sun was beginning to set,

I last saw her swimming out there in the rip

And I called her, I’m calling her yet.

 

The sea became misty, and blurred to my view

But I’d swear it was dotted with sails,

The Spanish Armada, in some misted dew

While the sailors all clung to the rails,

Then Drake and his fire ships sailed in the beams

Of the rays of the sun, bleeding red,

And I watched as the history wrought in that bay

Came as images; danced in my head.

 

I prayed that my Mirabel send me a sign

That would tell she was waiting down there,

Would send me a messenger, up from the depths

Of that vast, imperturbable lair,

I promised I’d settle, would live out my time

If the message I plainly could see,

Then I’d wait for the ages to send me to rest,

I could live, if my soul was set free.

 

The sea became rancorous, beat on the shore

And the sky grumbled thunder unseen,

While the lightning crackled its anger to warn

Not to meddle with things that had been.

But Mirabel, heedless of time or the storm

Sent her message to me from afar,

As a line of ghost soldiers appeared on the shore

With their Standards of SPQR.

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[JM Russell]

Your work never stops amazing me. Your ability to weave a perfect story into a poetic masterpiece.

[A Soap Mess Stories]

You are a great storyteller.

[Baby Ricochet]

Farkin ell

[A.r. Bazian]

inviting.
deepening sadness and wonder!
a masterpiece

[Siren]

Mmm...I really enjoyed this. I liked how you intertwined history and the sea. It's a curious combination, but it's also intriguing. Thanks so much for sharing with me!

[Draven]

This poem is amazing. I love it. Robert frost and Shakespear would tip their hats to you, my friend.

[Draven]

I have not the words to tell you how great this is.

[quinfinn]

fascinating and well written . i love the history and the enigma of the Roman legions. who knows how many stories were never chronicled for posterity? i love the way in which you presented this, you gave it life.

[Lena M. P.]

I think that Roman history is fascinating that they conquered so much of Europe and held reign. I think much of it had to do with their ability to lead and to educate bringing so much industry and trade at the beginning. The coin/symbol that you refer to here meant basically governed for and by the people. America sort of borrowed or "coined" that attitude within the the constitution of the US. The fact that in your poem his beloved produced the ghosts wearing the emblem of the roman symbol was quite impressive. Your blending of times is impressive. I'm assuming this is referring to England as the island or were you referring to the cold and rocky shores of Scotland? Well written.

[Valentine]

Another one to go on my favorites list..this oine with hte history and your addition to it makes it a treat to read..Thanks David for another great write.. I love the tales of ancient history..especially from the old countries..Kathie