When in Rome

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Tue, 26 Jul 2022
  • 1748 reads
17 comments
 

The Romans were known
to enjoy the odd contest
Some of them very odd
as historians can attest,

In Rome's Colosseum
there were gladiators
combating with others
to entertain dictators.

But there was one thing
the spectators liked best:
to watch the Christians
in their ultimate test.

Lions entered the arena
to the delight of the crowd
who bayed for the blood 
of those who were cowed.

A man named Androcles
with his feet in irons,
in this vast arena
had to face a lion.

This frightened man
was an African slave
who escaped his master
and hid in a cave.

Inside, moaning
as if at death's door
was a big cat
lying flat on the floor.

The slave reacted
to what he saw:
a lion, in pain, with
a thorn in his paw.

He took care of 'Leo'
until he was well
then departed
with a fond farewell.

A slave once more,
and fallen from grace,
he now was dreading
the lion he was to face.

This fierce animal
recognised his saviour
and thought he ought
to return the favour.

Towards this friend
he was full of charm
and never intended
to do him any harm.

Of the happy outcome
the Emperor took heed
and he gave orders
for the slave to be freed.

 

© Luigi Pagano 2022

 

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Historical Fiction
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I'd forgotten about the story of Androcles. Lovely to picture the scene in those malicious games! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

 They certainly were a cruel lot, those Romans. I seem to remember that George Bernard Shaw wrote a play based on the story. Thanks for reading and commenting, Rhiannon.

Luigi x

 

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Your poem proves how kindness wins in the end. Good on Androcles for being attentive to the lion.

Great idea for the I P Luigi.

Jenny. xx 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Kindness should be paramount at all times, Jenny, but unfortunately not always practiced even in our times.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Enjoyed this - thank you Luigi

One small(but vital!) typo:

Lons entered the arena

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

I am pleased as punch, Claudine, to read that you enjoyed this effort of mine despite the blooper. Thanks for pointing it out, now corrected. My vision is at the moment impaired by a cataract in the right eye but it's no excuse, I should have enlarged the font. Thanks for the cherries.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Hope they fix your cataract soon Luigi!

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

So do I, Claudine, I'm on the waiting list (since 5th July). Fingers crossed.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by marandina on

Beautifully done, Luigi. A classic tale, recounted with your typical panache. Paul 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Cheers, Paul. Much appreciated, thanks.

Best, Luigi

 

Submitted by Nolan on

Luigi I think of the saying, to keep the people happy “give them bread and give them circuses”. It still works like that only fewer people actually die.

There is a joke about a christian condemned to death praying, “Just let it be a christian lion” and thanks heavens when the lion went on his knees. But “for what we are about to receive make us truly thankful”!

Good poem, See you & Nolan

By the way, I think that story is a fable and comes from before the Romans and it is just as hard to believe.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thank you for letting me know those sayings and anecdotes, Nolan, and I believe you may be right about the tale coming from a time before the Romans but I wouldn't know when.

Keep well and regards.

Luigi

 

Submitted by Nolan on

Good one hey? My cousin Gary Brown told me, always ready with a joke.

Cheers & Nolan

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Cheers. yes

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

Enjoyed this, Luigi :0) I remember the first time I read his story, as I child, and thought how brave he was, it encouraged me to be braver when trying to help animals. Your rhyme is a great way of communicating the legend

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

It certainly is a  good story, Di, that teaches us that kindness to animals is amply rewarded. It grieves me to learn that in a country supposed to be inhabited by animals-lovers a lot of neglect and abuse happens. Perhaps some people ought to be reminded of the old slogan: "a dog is for life, not just for Christmas", a plea that applies to all animals. Pleased that you appreciated the poem, thank you.

Luigi x

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

The moral is the same in both stories, JP. Love and kindness are never wasted. Pleased you like the tale.

Thanks, Luigi