I walked along a Roman road	Along a Roman wall
Built to keep Allemanni out   	Two thousand years ago

Bridges bringing legions  	Burned when they fled 
But ruins remained, inscribed	With bold, straight letters 

Imperial proclamations cut   	In everlasting stone    
Announcing completion of   	Another marvel of Rome

Stood for one thousand years	Until pillage and weather
Finally began to wear down   	Fine marble and mortar

Leaving a few wise words   	And some stray languages   
In the cool outer provinces  	Spoken by savages.


© 2007 by Britt Fleming. All rights reserved.