Photo by Pete Denton. Collective poem edited by Antonio Martínez Arboleda. Contributions collated with thanks from the audience participating in the February 2020 Transforming with Poetry using Menti.com

 

THE CRADLE OF CIVILISATION

 

The parade is ready!

 

Plates like moons

modern mugs

with classic pictures

to show to neighbours

or give as gifts

Touting

 

Julio Caesar

eying up his glory

 

Tiny soldiers

in plumed helmets

 

Heads of ancient

Roman gods

 

Only 5 euros!

 

Lions, gladiators

also available

Sturdy forearm

bronzed in the sun

Latin phrases

For everyday use.

Room still for more

if someone has more shelves!

 

Rome,

a montage

of time layered

like a sumptuous

birthday cake.

Encapsulated ages

memories of ruins

grand and orderly

past glorious power

Seize the day

purchase

your culture here.

 

But watch the man

with his hand in the box.

 

Oh, holly mess

of the free market

Blue sky overhead

mute and unquestioning

A bell tower in the horizon

Jesus wept

among his Roman captors

Blue skies are free

AUDIENCE CONTRIBUTIONS

With thanks to mentimeter.com