Last of My Name An Ekphrastic Poem Inspired by The Ludovisi Gaul( c. 220 B. C. E.).
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Last of My Name An Ekphrastic Poem Inspired by The Ludovisi Gaul( c. 220 B. C. E.).
Howling fills my ears as the soldiers charge Across the paddock, approaching my people. I gather the courage to end my wife’ s life, But my heart seizes in my chest At the thought of my gladius against her skin. The life we began together is no more.
It’ s too late now. Embers from our burning village dance In the night sky, fragments of timber Lighting the way for these villains.
I gambled that Fate would be kinder Than what the Greeks have inflicted. I feel her lifeless body in my hands, Yet the guilt weighs heavier upon me still The days of holding her in my arms are no more.
It’ s my turn now. The pain of my own téne sword Pierces my chest, But I have only one thought: Is it better to die a free man Than to live as a slave to the Greeks? I will know soon enough. The name that began with my father’ s father And a hundred fathers before Is now no more.
~ Aurelian L.
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