Hadrian

 

A wall to predate that in Berlin or

One to mirror the Great Wall of China

Bestowed the name of the philanthropic Emperor

To consolidate his vast Empire, to discourage war

Steeped in ancient Greek culture he fell in love

Not with the Parthenon or the Temple of Olympus

Uninspired by the voices of Delphi

He was besotted by the beauty of a young man

Love flourished, friendship grew, mutual devotion took root

Antinous accompanied his Emperor everywhere

Faithful, true, living beneath the wings of a God

Held in the bosoom of his Imperial embrace

Both in time were destined for Divinity

Antinous drowned in the swirling waters of the Nile

A mysterious departure leaving a broken heart

A sword pierced the very heart of Hadrian

A wound never to heal never to be consoled

Love became a memory, an aching dullness

Hadrian venerated his love in renewed creativity

Statues graced the Imperial landscape of the beloved

The city of Antinoopolis grew out of the desert sands

A love story with no ridicule attached to it

As the rules of Leviticus held no sway in Rome or Athens

Rome and Athens were symbiotic lovers drenched in culture

Hadrian died, his epitaph is for all to read

A legacy to behold amongst all men

A giant amongst men, a God amongst Gods