"Et tu" he cried, and slumped upon the tiles

I looked around the forum for approval,

a senate full of snide and knowing smiles

all happy with their Caesar's blunt removal.

They cried their cheers, to decorate the hero

who'd take a modern Rome en route to glory,

the lessons had been learned, remember Nero?

Tiberius? Now that's another story.

"Don't fiddle with your future" croaked the seer

"The world is burning now and will forever,

the end is coming now, from far and near."

We stoned him, no-one likes a man too clever.

"I had a dream," cried Marcus, "Saw tomorrow -

We conquered foreign lands midst battle thunder,

no fear of bitter peasants' scowling sorrow,

a cracking whip would surely keep them under..."

"But wait!" I cried - the arguments abated,

"Let's not repeat this fallen ruler's error,

if Rome should rule the world then all is fated,

we have no need to wield the sword of terror!"

A stifled murmur rolled around the senate,

but none would heed my sober voice of reason,

their togas filled with dreams to rule the planet,

I felt the glaring eyes accusing treason.

I sensed the blade - and somehow felt enraptured,

as Romans joined to feast - a feeding fever,

I died upon the very tiles I'd captured,

the chance of unity now gone forever.

The Roman Empire rose and fell as I did,

Look forward - Where will history's pages find you?

As days rush by - the blinking of an eyelid...

Rise up and seize the day - but watch behind you.