The Cup Of Power Poem by Liilia Talts Morrison

Ah, mighty emperor, drink of that cup
Its nectar sweet and pungent to the lips
You've earned this golden flagon of the gods
You've spilled much blood and ravaged ships

Ah, mighty emperor, do not delay
None will resist when you have drained its brew
Great hordes and legions you will play like pawns
Returning Rome to glories it once knew

Ah mighty emperor, the sun sinks low
The laurel wreath now hovers high above
And marble monuments would your fair form display
Your wise choice chroniclers will then sing of

Ah, mighty emperor, the men who guard your throne
Have suddenly been overcome and led away
An enemy has spilled the wine that yours would be
Your scepter broken, jewels in disarray

Take heed and learn a lesson from this tale
When life a cup of power to you extends
It may at first appear like laurels of success
Yet soon ferment to hemlock's evil ends.