August 24th, Vesuvius Day

August 24th is celebrated as Vesuvius Day to commemorate the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 that led to the destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae 

It's a well-known fact
that we often say
the usual cliché,
Every dog has its day

the meaning of which
is that, more or less,
someone, sometimes,
will find success.

But that expression
is mere wordplay
as there's an actual
National Dog Day.

We have specific dates
for every occasion
but not everyone
is cause for celebration.

Although it is true,
you may be dubious
if I tell you that today
is the day of Vesuvius.

On the 24 of August
in AD seventy-nine
the volcano erupted
due to the earth's fault line.

Volcanic ash and mud
fell without interruption
and buried Pompeii,
causing its destruction.

© Luigi Pagano 2023