Rome Poem by Anupama Anpat

At the distance, stood the mighty walls of Rome,
men were glad to be finally home.
Day and night they fought in the king’s name,
to win the war was the ultimate aim.

The enemy was resolute and strong,
Oh! How did it all go so wrong?
They fought valiantly,
but were put to captivity.

Marched on carts through the enemy gate,
they were object of much hate,
in shackles they were bound,
thrown to the dungeon in a mound.

Days passed without hope,
servitude was now the code.
But destiny was on their side,
they escaped into the mountain heights.

When they reached familiar land,
their foreheads touched it's golden sand.
To see their loved ones was the intent,
but before that, king’s summons were sent.

He issued upon them a death sentence,
the men were bewildered and tensed,
he said: ‘He who ran from the battlefield,
is a son that Rome did not yield.’

‘If you die a martyr in the war,
you are a roman to the core.
For your souls we shall pray,
now death upon you I declare.’

Led away by the king’s men,
outside the city’s den,
their throats were cut,
before their eyes shut,
they saw the mighty walls of Rome,
to them, it was once known as home.