Marbles of Rome

Marbles of Rome,
Scattered amongst long grass.
Peaceful waters, aquamarine,
Behind trellis and rose.

Tarnished green cupolas and domes,
Rising above terracotta tiles.
Ceramics and mosaics,
Patterns beneath footsteps.

White palaces and golden walls,
Reflected in pools of pellucid blue.
Fountains and cascades,
Sprinkle rainbows.

An old Roman Emperor, thoughtful and wise,
His image now chipped and broken,
Lies next to Eros,
Statuary linking past to present when lovers kiss.

Searing hot sun on parasols in red and yellow,
And tanned skin of ample young girls,
Signpost of a new riviera,
A place of expensive boutiques and sleek new yachts.

Would Ceasar approve of his new Roman Army,
Laying on sunbeds, sporting silk shirts,
Driving the porsche, the coupe, and seeing time on a Rolex.
Or would he give the order to march ?.

Marbles of Rome,
Scattered amongst long grass.
Peaceful waters, aquamarine,
Behind trellis and rose.