Gorgons V

Gorgons V

Durnovaria, fine homes for rich families.

Tessellate the mosaic to remind you of home

Warmer days and wine jugs pouring.

Small chips of colour that bring Rome right to your door,

Pictures of brave gods that look up from your floor.

Durnovaria, on the edge of the Celtic Fields.

Map out the aqueduct to bring civilisation home

Crystal cold and water jugs splashing.

Small drops of rainbow that bring Rome right to your house,

Scenes of bath-time rituals the rich come to souse.

Durnovaria, superior town house out Colliton way.

Ornamental antefix to roof your lovely home

Anthemion frond, terracotta jug firing.

Small flowers and faces that bring Romans to your villa,

Centurians, Satyrs, Gorgons, Nyphs or Scylla.

This antefix protects your house with snakes

that swirl above the forehead

of the red clay face of the gorgon.

In winter it shivers and in summer it bakes

but fills enemies with anticipated dread,

a silent scream, pain within, anguish in every organ.

Do not look her in the eyes

or everlasting stone will paralyse.

By Linda Prince