{"id":110,"date":"2015-12-09T11:09:17","date_gmt":"2015-12-09T11:09:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/?page_id=110"},"modified":"2017-02-10T16:36:38","modified_gmt":"2017-02-10T16:36:38","slug":"poems","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/","title":{"rendered":"Poems"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"kent-social-links\"><li><a href='http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/&amp;t=Poems' target='_blank'><i class='ksocial-facebook' title='Share via Facebook'><\/i><\/a><\/li><li><a href='http:\/\/twitter.com\/home?status=Poems%20https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/' target='_blank'><i class='ksocial-twitter' title='Share via Twitter'><\/i><\/a><\/li><li><a href='https:\/\/plus.google.com\/share?url=https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/' target='_blank'><i class='ksocial-google-plus' title='Share via Google Plus'><\/i><\/a><\/li><li><a href='http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/&amp;title=Poems' target='_blank'><i class='ksocial-linkedin' title='Share via Linked In'><\/i><\/a><\/li><li><a href='mailto:content=https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/&amp;title=Poems' target='_blank'><i class='ksocial-email' title='Share via Email'><\/i><\/a><\/li><\/ul><hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>Over the last year, we have been explaining our interests in research to Dan Simpson.\u00a0 He is a poet (and brilliant person too).\u00a0 Take a look at his website <\/strong>: <a style=\"color: #ffffff\" href=\"http:\/\/www.dansimpsonpoet.co.uk\/\"><u>www.dansimpsonpoet.co.uk<\/u><\/a>. <strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>He spent time as a poet in residence at <a style=\"color: #ffffff\" href=\"https:\/\/canterburyromanresident.wordpress.com\/\"><u>Canterbury Roman Museum<\/u><\/a> and walked from London to Canterbury with some of the PhD students of the <a style=\"color: #ffffff\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kent.ac.uk\/\"><u>University of Kent<\/u><\/a> \u2013 all on this webpage with films of the objects that inspired the poems: <a style=\"color: #ffffff\" href=\"https:\/\/canterburyromanresident.wordpress.com\/\"><u>https:\/\/canterburyromanresident.wordpress.com\/<\/u><\/a> <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><!--[if lt IE 9]><script>document.createElement('audio');<\/script><![endif]-->\n<audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-110-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/files\/2015\/12\/Roman-Museum-Poetry-Tour-1.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/files\/2015\/12\/Roman-Museum-Poetry-Tour-1.mp3\">http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/files\/2015\/12\/Roman-Museum-Poetry-Tour-1.mp3<\/a><\/audio><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>Here are some of the poems:<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>1. Lares Viales<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Janus, hear my prayer<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as I once again open my front door<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> creating a portal<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> from the safety of my dwelling<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> to the cruelty of the world.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Gods of the roads protect me:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I turn my back on my comforts<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> my security and loves<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> watch over my body<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as it makes this journey.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I take well-worn roads and familiar paths<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> out and away from my home<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I will climb hills and cross rivers<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> traverse miles of this earth<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> journey into unknown places.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> The way may be dangerous: save me from harm.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> The way may be long: grant me strength to go on.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> The way may be hard: toughen my feet.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> The way may be unclear: give me clarity of sight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The way may be lonely: provide me with purpose.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I offer you life-giving corn harvested by my hand<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> votives dedicated in your name<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> this wine poured on my home&#8217;s threshold<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> a vow to always honour you:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">accept my prayer.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> May I return unharmed and enriched<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> back to my home<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> to honour the gods<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> hear me! Lares<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> hear me! Vesta.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>2. A Soldier&#8217;s Death<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Death is half an inch and untold years away<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> a strip of metal coming between now<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and nothing<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but in the end, it could not protect him<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> or her \u2013 this woman<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> buried inside a soldier\u2019s helmet.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Perhaps, when war came<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as war inevitably does<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> she threw the helmet at him<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> an anger born of worry and sorrow.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Perhaps she was the one who polished it<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> on the morning he left<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> murmuring a prayer of protection<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the impact of words striking on metal.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Perhaps she removed it from his head<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> to kiss him properly as he returned<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> unharmed, smiling<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but quieter.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Perhaps she playfully put the helmet<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> on the head of her child<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> laughing at how it slipped down over his eyes<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> hoping he\u2019d not grow into it.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Perhaps it was put away<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and forgotten about<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> not needed \u2013 until it was<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> once again.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> This helmet, made to save life<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> adapted to contain death<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> buried deep but still protecting<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the memory of one who loved a soldier<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and knew the lesson well:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> death is unknown years and half an inch away.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>3. Obscene Gestures<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u201cOi! Come back here!\u201d<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> But with barely a backwards glance<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> he&#8217;s gone<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> speeding down the road<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as if he\u2019s off to the most urgent thing<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> to ever happen in the Empire.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I bend my thumb between index and middle fingers<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> curl them to make a fist<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> with a little tip poking out<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and shake it at the man\u2019s back<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as he speeds away from me.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> A crude approximation of a man\u2019s parts<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> for a crude approximation of a man<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> a useless gesture<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but it makes me feel better<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> at least.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Who was that youngster?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> who would run down a citizen<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> an old soldier, no less<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> judging from the torc he wears<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> veteran of our wars<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> what is this world coming to?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Wherever he\u2019s going can\u2019t be that important:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> this isn\u2019t Rome, after all<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but that kind of behaviour wouldn\u2019t be justified<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> even in Rome<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and the streets are far busier than here.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I help the old man up:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> he dusts himself off<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and with a small smile<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> continues on his way.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>4. Bridges<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">I: Physical<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> We must get from here<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> to there<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but this water runs between us<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and progress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Bring me that wood<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and I will show you a wonder<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> a way to bend the world<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> to our will.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">We are masters of this domain<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> no river will stop us<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Nature&#8217;s forcefully flung weapons<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> no match for our ingenuity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Build me a bridge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">II: Empire<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Build me a bridge<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and I will show you an empire<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> an idea realised<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> in support pole and path.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Two places connected<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> people colliding<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> buildings established<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> communities founded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The world changed<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> by idea and application<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> brute force and discipline<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> helmets and spear tips gleaming in the sun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The glory of Rome.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">III &#8211; Power and Propaganda<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> The glory of Rome<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> hangs from the bridge<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> a banner rustling in the breeze<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> proclaiming all is well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The statue of the Emperor<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> gazes at you<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as you approach<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> his smile says: I am your lord.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Thoughts of rebellion<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> die in front of this display of power<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> confronted by superior force<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> they are useless.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Throw them away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">IV &#8211; River Offerings<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Throw them away<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> having said your prayer<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> watch where they lands in the water<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> hope for a good sign.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The river has it now<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> your humble offerings cast away<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the votive to your god<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> it&#8217;s sacred course set.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">We may bridge this territory<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but it&#8217;s a consecrated place<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as is the whole world<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> respect the gods who watch over you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Pray they won&#8217;t abandon you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">V &#8211; Battles<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Pray they won&#8217;t abandon you<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> those you call your brothers<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> in arms, in battle<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as you face your enemy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">On the other bank<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> he stands<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> readying his weapons<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> preparing the charge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Hope it doesn&#8217;t come down to this:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the tactic of last resort<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> a desperate measure<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but the commander&#8217;s cry goes up:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Tear down this bridge.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>5. Roman Fast Food<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Hungry, are you?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> In a hurry?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> No worries: I\u2019ll be with you in just a moment.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Alright: what\u2019ll it be?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Not a huge choice, I\u2019m afraid<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but that only means you get your food quicker<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I suppose.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I won\u2019t distract you<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but whilst you\u2019re deciding<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> do you see that man over there \u2013<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the jeweller?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I hear he\u2019s having an affair \u2013<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I know! \u2013<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> with the tanner\u2019s wife of all people!<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Now listen, I\u2019m not one to gossip, but<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> you hear all sorts of things here<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I won\u2019t repeat them to you<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> my customers\u2019 privacy is<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> of course<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> private.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Everyone passes through my door<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> don&#8217;t they?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> We all need to eat!<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but some people do go on a bit<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> more chat than chew.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Besides, it\u2019s hard to follow conversation<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> when you work as hard as I do:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> pouring the wine here<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> piling up fish there<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> clearing plates from him<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> bagging up oysters for her<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> it\u2019s all go<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> all the time:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> they don\u2019t call this thermopolium<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u201cthe fastest food in town\u201d<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> for nothing you know:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> we\u2019ll see you well fed<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and on your way<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> no trouble.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Have you decided what to eat yet?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> No?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Alright, I\u2019ll be back in a minute \u2013<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> no rush.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>6. David Walsh\u2019s Mosaic poem<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Hours pass as if only seconds I barely notice the sweat across my brow Locked so intently in my task I do not see Orpheus I see myself, the colours and shapes like a mirror I do not feel the weight of the tools They are my hands, my finger tips This is my epitaph to the world A piece of myself that will remain When the rest of me has long since departed The art will linger on to inspire Like the words of Cicero The theatre of the Flavians The Wall of Hadrian My name will be forever be written in the tessera \u2026 and I\u2019m sure no-one will notice the mistake.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>7. Prayer to Bacchus<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Janus, hear my prayer<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> you, god of many faces and roles:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as Consevius you have created new life<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> blessed my marriage with a beginning<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Janus, you have opened a portal in time<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as my child sets out on his life\u2019s journey \u2013<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> hear my prayer.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Bacchus, see my child<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> you, god of the harvest and fertility<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> who have been kind to me already<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> now I ask more of you:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> for though you are god of bliss and pleasure<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> you, god of wine, have another face \u2013<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> that of bitterness and fury.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Do not let my son inherit the weakness of his father:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I am too often found sat, alone and in company<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> my wine cup constantly empty and full<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> with a serpent lying in wait coiled around my happiness<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the poison ivy of cynicism creeping through my veins<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> my thyrsus in hand, wand turned to weapon<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the raging bull of my anger ready to charge.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Bacchus, do not look on my son with this drunk darkness<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but rather with smiles and red-faced delight<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> do not tempt my child to the ruin I have suffered<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but rather to understand you as a fickle god<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the pleasures of your madness and ecstasy as transient<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> wine as occasional and brilliant as music and dance<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> a fleeting beauty, not a permanent scar.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I honour you with this drinking vessel<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> adorned with vines and fig trees<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> your hopeful symbols of life and joy<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> given to my child so he may always remember you<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I leave wine in this bowl in dedication of you<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> freshly-harvested corn for the eternal feast<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> accept my sacrifices, Bacchus.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Hear my prayer, Vesta<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> goddess of hearth and home<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I seal my words with you<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> with the intensity of sacred fire:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> may the future for my son<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> be not one of struggle and strife<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but of harmony with Bacchus.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> <em>\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>8. Graffiti <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">\u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> The Roman army advances conquering lands from Northern Britain\u00a0 to Asia bringing civilisation to the barbarians.\u00a0 Quintus advances scraping words on freshly-made tiles left out to dry writing Vulgar Latin: &#8220;Attius is a fool&#8221;.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> <strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>9. Dea Nutrix<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">She watches over me\u00a0 solid stone, gentle-faced steel behind her mild expression<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">resolution in her eyes.\u00a0 The all-Mother figure cradling civilisation in her arms these twin children of Rome\u00a0 feeding and growing up fast.\u00a0 She&#8217;s already seen it all: innocent infancy to scrappy childhood teenage rebellion to emerging adulthood civilised maturity and glorious years elder statesmen and women\u00a0 the inevitable decline and fall.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Though she may be damaged &#8211;<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> her head broken off<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> body weathered by time &#8211;<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> her protection is as eternal<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> as the idea she nurtures:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> civilisation.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>10. Corinium Cockerel<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Go, cockerel: I send you away from my household<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and into the next world with my child<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> she, who was so fond of you in life<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> demanding to hold and play with you<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> at every moment of the day<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> from her waking cry at first light<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> to her softly-breathing sleep at night.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> In some ways you are alive<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> animated by the craft of the bronze-worker<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> his hands shaping the prideful curve of breast and wing<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the definite fix of comb and wattle<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the lively detail of eye and beak<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but it was my child who \u2013 like some infant Pygmalion \u2013<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> breathed life into you through her love.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> And yet more than this \u2013 we all gave you spirit:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> in the hollow of your back you hold memories<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> household stories of a mother\u2019s love<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> everyday moments of a father\u2019s affection<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> sounds of siblings\u2019 teasing and laughter<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the clash and clatter of an entire household<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> turning our villa inside out, trying to find you when lost.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> The dark shade of night\u2019s sky lightens to deep blue<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> after this profoundly long and severe night<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and I remember that you are Mercury\u2019s creature:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> heralding the coming of the light with a cry of triumph<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> a message from the gods that a new day is here<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> that we mortals are not forgotten by the gods<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> hope rising as surely \u2013 and slowly \u2013 as the sun.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Speak for me now, you who may speak freely with Mercury<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> tell him of my child who can no longer see that light<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> nor feel the first touch of Sol\u2019s warmth<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> put my anguish into your crowing<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> give voice to my grief where I can not<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> so that the gods may know<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> something of mortal suffering.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Tell Apollo that his medicine does not always work<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and that Mors has eager teeth to take one so young<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> crow for her who can no longer cry<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and charge Mercury to see her safe<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> in her passage to the afterlife<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> where I may see her again one day<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> holding you, cockerel, as I hold you now.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>11. Dice<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Oh Fortuna! Be good to me tonight<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> make my dice land the right way up<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and the wrong way for my enemies<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> show me your beautiful many-sided face<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> so I can honour each in turn.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> We&#8217;re only here through luck<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> so you might as well continue to play the odds<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> chance has brought you this far my friends<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> tonight I throw bones<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> because someday that&#8217;s all we&#8217;ll be<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> so make use of the body whilst we have it<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> drink, eat, gamble &#8211; all three ideally.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Live! play that game we&#8217;re all playing.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> But listen: you can&#8217;t rely on the gods<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> especially one as fickle as Fortuna<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> so I&#8217;ll take precautions for myself<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> these dice, my friends<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> are not ordinary dice<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> no cheap bone for me<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> solid, beautiful ivory<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> who wouldn&#8217;t want to play with them?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Let me tell you a secret:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> you wouldn&#8217;t want to play against them<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I mean, sure, they look legitimate<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but they&#8217;ll throw high every time<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> now they&#8217;re odds I like.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> So let&#8217;s play.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>12. Spoon<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><em>\u201cI belong to a good man\u201d<\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the inscription on the spoon says<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the words following the curve down<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> touching the base<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> before making their way back up.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Grasp the handle and steady yourself:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> do not let those old fears get the measure of you<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> for I have been to the depths \u2013<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> they are not nearly as shallow as this spoon<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but seemingly bottomless<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and the way down is not like this soft slope<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> but sudden and steep<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and the way back is not a gentle incline<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">but a sheer face.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><em>\u201cI belong to a good man\u201d<\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and it belongs to you<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and though this spoon is silver<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">I must not sell it for coin<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and trade those for my weakness.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Remember:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><em>\u201cI belong to a good man\u201d<\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and a good man is what you must be<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">so heap your powder high<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">fill the depth of the spoon<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and the space in your soul<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">with honest work.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">How strange for a man<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">to be weighed by a spoon.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> 13. Quick to Save, Quick to Help<\/span><\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">It is said that time is the devourer of things<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">but whoever said that had not seen British rain<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">which seems to do the job just as well<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">so when Prefect Gaius told me about Mithras<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">one yet-again-wet, miserable-as-Luctus camp night<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">I was ready to listen to anything to distract me<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">from my damp tunic &#8211; and damper boots.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">An intriguing god, this Mithras<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and one I&#8217;d heard spoken about by the other lads.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Something about it spoke to my heart<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">which I had thought hardened to such things<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">so I find myself here<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">underground and alone.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The darkness is doubled as the blindfold is tightened<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and this unfamiliar place becomes completely unknown to me<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">those quickly-glimpsed alter carvings hidden in the low-light<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">after-images: a bull figure with coiled snakes<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">flickering against my eyelids<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">half-formed impressions of half-understood icons.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">No matter &#8211; no need to understand at this moment<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">more pressing matters, like these fleshy slimy cords<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">bound around my wrists<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">the chicken gut shackles I\u2019ve been told about<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and I almost choke &#8211; from the sensation and smell<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">but control myself in time<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">thank you, Marcus, for the warning about those!<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">I shuffle forward, sandals scraping against the floor<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">until it is indicated that I should stop.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">So I stop.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">No further, for I do not want to touch the tip of the sword<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">the father is undoubtedly pointing at me<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">today I enact death \u2013 I do not wish to become it.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">I smell incense, perfumed smoke drifting around me<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and my eyes water, nose tickled<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">but I must not sneeze<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">or I will disturb the still air<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and the ritual happening around me.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The masked assembly I saw before blindfolded<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">begins to make sound<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">a cacophony of animal noises &#8211; raven and goat<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">horse and eagle &#8211; and the distinct clucking of a chicken<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">undoubtedly Marcus, who said he&#8217;d do something unorthodox.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">With the roar of a lion, the father begins the catechism<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and I respond with the words I&#8217;ve learned<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">language flowing through me like water from a rock<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">sudden and unexpected<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">miraculous yet right.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The silence falls thick, impenetrable<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and I can almost hear the roiling of incense<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">feel the smoky tendrils pull at my arms<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">wrap themselves around my body<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">so now I fall to the floor as if struck<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">as instructed, yes, but also from the unbearable weight<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">the silence of expectation on my shoulders.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">My blindfold slips and I see rays of light<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">streaming through the alter<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">making the dark understandable<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">the mysteries somewhat clearer<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">though I am left with questions:<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Do I become the bull struck down by Mithras?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">By rising from the ground, am I suddenly rock-born?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Or something else, hidden from my knowledge?<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">No matter<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">the sudden chill of the stone brings me to my senses<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and I remember: today I join my brothers-in-arms<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">we have been united in battle<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and now by handshake.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> \u00a0<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Gaius says that Mithras is quick to save<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and quick to help<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">but salvation only comes to those who help themselves, I think<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">so if joining puts me in the Prefect&#8217;s good books<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">and hastens my promotion&#8230;<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\">well &#8211; there&#8217;s a helpful thing too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The <em>Being Human Festival\u00a0<\/em>in 2016 resulted in a series of events in Canterbury (<a style=\"color: #ffffff\" href=\"https:\/\/beinghumanfestival.org\/?s=Canterbury\">see here<\/a>) as well as a series of poems from participants. Here are a couple of Dan&#8217;s favourites:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">The\u00a0<em>Being Human Festival\u00a0<\/em>gave me the opportunity to return to Canterbury Roman Museum, the site of one of my favourite poetry projects. Back in 2014, I walked the Roman road from London to Canterbury to take up residency at the Museum, discovering and writing about Kent and British Roman history along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">Working again with the University of Kent and Canterbury Museums, we kicked off a weekend full of\u00a0<em>Being Human<\/em>\u00a0activities at Canterbury Archaeological Trust, with Annie and Stewart presenting fascinating finds from around the city to a room full of absorbed Kings\u2019 School students. Saturday was spent at the Roman Museum itself, taking people on a poetic tour of some of my favourite artefacts. And on Sunday, people returned to The Beaney to write poems themselves! Here are a couple of my favourite pieces that came out of those sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><em>The Blue Container\u00a0<\/em>\u2013 Helen Parkhurst<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">My position is safe.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I wouldn&#8217;t say I&#8217;m adored.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> But for what I am,<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> and from where I came,<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I am adored.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Blue. A simple blue vase.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> A container. A flagon. A treasure.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I sit high on my shelf,<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Safe from the maid,<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> For the Lady&#8217;s hands only.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">He thinks all this is his.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> And it was he who bought me home.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Alas. My oil within,<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> the room all around,<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> It is She who rules the home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">\u00a0He is Important, Regal and strong!<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> The place from where I came,<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> So secretive, yet honourable.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> My contents are priceless,<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> Only bestowed on the worthy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\">\u00a0The richness these fellows do not see.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> The richness of patience and fun.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I see the children play,<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> I see the maid laugh.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #ffffff\"> A Richness not contained.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ffffff\"><a style=\"color: #ffffff\" href=\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/files\/2015\/12\/Mina-Cullimore-copy.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-435\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/files\/2015\/12\/Mina-Cullimore-copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1444\" height=\"1711\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/files\/2015\/12\/Mina-Cullimore-copy.jpg 1444w, https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/files\/2015\/12\/Mina-Cullimore-copy-253x300.jpg 253w, https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/files\/2015\/12\/Mina-Cullimore-copy-768x910.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/files\/2015\/12\/Mina-Cullimore-copy-864x1024.jpg 864w, https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/files\/2015\/12\/Mina-Cullimore-copy-660x782.jpg 660w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1444px) 100vw, 1444px\" \/><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"kent-social-links\"><li><a href='http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/&amp;t=Poems' target='_blank'><i class='ksocial-facebook' title='Share via Facebook'><\/i><\/a><\/li><li><a href='http:\/\/twitter.com\/home?status=Poems%20https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/' target='_blank'><i class='ksocial-twitter' title='Share via Twitter'><\/i><\/a><\/li><li><a href='https:\/\/plus.google.com\/share?url=https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/' target='_blank'><i class='ksocial-google-plus' title='Share via Google Plus'><\/i><\/a><\/li><li><a href='http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/&amp;title=Poems' target='_blank'><i class='ksocial-linkedin' title='Share via Linked In'><\/i><\/a><\/li><li><a href='mailto:content=https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/&amp;title=Poems' target='_blank'><i class='ksocial-email' title='Share via Email'><\/i><\/a><\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Over the last year, we have been explaining our interests in research to Dan Simpson.\u00a0 He is a poet (and&hellip; <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/poems\/\">Read more <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Poems<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":40877,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/110"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/40877"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/110\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":437,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/110\/revisions\/437"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/lucius-romans\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}