Londinium Poem by Mary Champion

Romans came to settle in this city -
foundations built on heavy London clay.
Empires must expand their territory
or power will decline and drain away.
But hope and hubris always have a cost,
time will tax the power of the tyrant -
another empire fought too hard and lost -
in dismay, they left our dismal island.
Another seed took root in London clay -
a tree that spread its branches ‘cross the globe -
a wider empire in its time held sway
‘til hubris felled another reckless hope.
Our home, our city built on London clay
must tend its roots and find a better way.