Prometheus's Legacy

By luigi_pagano

Sat, 30 Apr 2016
  • 2584 reads
12 comments
 

There are many stories
associated with fire.
I think of Rome burning,
of Nero and his lyre.
He wasn’t an arsonist
and here is the riddle:
is it true that he watched
while playing the fiddle?
That he wasn’t to blame
there’s a strong belief;
it is said he organised
much needed relief.

I can also envision
one more conflagration,
the Great Fire of London
that caused consternation.
It started one morning
in a baker’s shop
and it took many days
for the inferno to stop.
To blow up blazing houses
seemed the only solution;
that was Samuel Pepys’s
worthwhile contribution.

It wasn’t only on buildings
the flames made their mark,
one who burned at the stake
was  Saint Joan of Arc.
Heretics and witches
suffered a similar fate;
for those so condemned
there wasn’t room for debate.
It’s Prometheus’s  fault
for stealing the fire
that society quite often
find itself in a mire.

© Luigi Pagano

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Historical Fiction
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Useful when used with care!

Your love for, and playing around with history is often apparent.
I was amused at the picture of fire getting us into the mire, my brain felt the bog was putting the fire out! But that is the fun of such illustrations, and your light touch and humour is appreciated. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

You are quite right, Rhiannon. I like playing around with hystory as I find it extremely fascinating.
I also don't get bogged down when it comes to definitions such as the following:
3.) mire - a difficulty or embarrassment that is hard to extricate yourself from.
I appreciate, as always, your feedback. Many thanks.

Luigi x
 

 

 

Submitted by Parson Thru on

Nice, Luigi. And you've inspired me to find out more.

Parson Thru

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Cheers Kevin. Go for it.

Best wishes, Luigi.

 

Submitted by Linda Wigzell Cress on

As ever, a very entertaining and pertinent poem Luigi. Love the rhyming.

Linda

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

So glad that it is to your liking, Linda. Thanks for the comment; much appreciated.

Luigi

 

Submitted by Linda Wigzell Cress on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linda

Submitted by Denzella on

Hello Luigi,

You were quick off the mark with this one.  I take it this is for this week's Inspiration Point.  Well, you've done yourself proud with this poem.  Like Linda, I liked the rhyming scheme.

Moya

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

The I.P. is a great motivator, dear Moya, and spurs people into action. I can't resist the challenge.
Anyway, how are you? I see from one of your comments that you are still busily involved with the Parkinson's Players and perhaps that's the reason we don't see much of your outstanding comic writing.

A big hug, Luigi x

 

Submitted by Denzella on

Hello Luigi,

Yes, the show's over.  The fat lady has sung so perhaps now I might get a chance to read a bit and  write a bit.  I do hope so because I really miss reading some of the work of the authors I follow on here.

Moya xx

 

 

Submitted by london_calling79 on

Fire warms and fire burns. I like the way you've played with this and the demonisation of Nero when he was perhaps doing Rome a favour!

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks for stopping by Alex. Your pertinent comment is gratefully received.

Best wishes, Luigi