Catullus Scents the Air

A Work in Progress
62

There’s opportunity coming to clear our air 

corruption contagion betrayal extortion 

reeking from tyrants vying for power

will this fresh breeze that fills our sails

carry us to that further shore

or will we be becalmed once more

trapped in this fetid stench for evermore?

this wind that’s blowing Urania's showing

hopeful portents encouraging omens

a half-life of tyrants ticking away

for how can the gods stomach all they see?

of murder wanton callous starvation

anonymous death-dealing destruction

wrought by tyrants anxious of extinction

hope is scented coming from everywhere

a fresh bouquet on a good sailing breeze

that shore’s in sight we crave its delight

its food its water safe places to sleep

trees lawns fountains codes of honor we’ll keep

let the gods sustain us and disperse this reek

this whiff of betrayal extortion too steep.

Dick Russell © Richard M Russell

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