Imperator

Photo by author, Painting by Jorge image used with permission from the artist

Lately,
too late,
I see Nero on the rooftop, watching a tide of flame.
Did he imagine the end was his to call,
his tune the wind.
In the home, every woman queen, any man, a king
but only the imperator can bring down the house.
Did he revel,
did he pose,
above such a splendor of destruction.