November Harvest Poem by Michael Pruchnicki

The fields outside Rome are filled now
with clusters of canvas pyramids -
autumn quarters for the newly enlisted
Legions of devout yeasayers
for the new Caesar! Hail!

Shining implements of battle gleam
here and there as marching troops
of men and women reconnoiter in the grassy
hills on the perimeter of the camp.
Rows of gallowtrees have been erected
near the central way leading to Rome.
Upright frames and crossties will soon enough
bear the weight of traitors to the new order!
All hail the new Caesar!

Far away, clouds are moving like the four horsemen
toward the encampment!