Rome Is Burning

[jamezburling]

and Nero laughs, stroking his withered fiddle,
as the pillars rain down
punishment and judgement.

painted ladies squeal disgust
as they witness
masks worn by all the weary.

all hands scrabble and scrape
the roads and the walls,
desperate for purchase.

wine bottles explode.
children are forgotten,
their screams sweat remorse.

democracy is a failed comedian.
fuck Nero,
fuck Augustus,

there is only
one Emperor now:
Emperor Lost.

get out while you still can.
get out.
get out.

find somewhere
quiet and empty.
turn your back on the collapsing empire.

Rome is burning.
Rome is burning.
Rome is burning.