On The Application of Military Power – From the Archive

O Lucius Paulus! What are we doing here
amongst these tribes bearing Rome nothing but enmity
driving us normally benevolent men
to increasing harshness?

Thick as flies
these little people
stubborn, with studied animosity
beyond all reason and human patience

Small people
with objectionable customs
strange law
ineffectual Gods

not to be trusted
threatening us each day
each bearing close watch
their ill will more than irritation 

Do we expect to make these people Roman?

Shall we go  home where there is peace
or shall we cross the river
to the next village or beyond the horizon
unto the end of a world so far from Rome?

Quo Vadis Domine?

Kunduz

.

About toritto

I was born during year four of the reign of Emperor Tiberius Claudius on the outskirts of the empire in Brooklyn. I married my high school sweetheart, the girl I took to the prom and we were together for forty years until her passing in 2004. We had four kids together and buried two together. I had a successful career in Corporate America (never got rich but made a living) and traveled the world. I am currently retired in the Tampa Bay metro area and live alone. One of my daughters is close by and one within a morning’s drive. They call their pops everyday. I try to write poetry (not very well), and about family. Occasionally I will try a historical piece relating to politics. :-)
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1 Response to On The Application of Military Power – From the Archive

  1. beetleypete says:

    Perfect, Frank. Sums it all up my friend.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 1 person

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