Till Niermann
Why should the eighth month not bear my name?
Did I not bring peace to the Empire? Is not my reign the inauguration of the Pax Romana? Did I not expand our territory while maintaining the peace?
Oh, but some of you cry, “Republic!” Others whisper, “Tyrant!”
Is it the Republic you desire? Would that be the same one that collapsed under her own corruption? The same one whom my adopted father, Julius Caesar, co-ruled in Triumvirate, before his betrayal by his own father-in-law, Pompey? The same one I, myself, co-ruled in yet another, before defeating the traitor Marc Antony?
Look around you. Women welcome their husbands to their beds each night. Children grow up to the delight of their parents. Avis smile at their bountiful nepotes habet. The graneries remain full, now that Egypt is ours. New roads carry our commerce and influence far and wide. Murderers and thieves fall before our police. The terror of all citiesโfireโyields to our firefighters. Our unconquered legions safeguard our liberty and prosperity. Even our mother, Roma, arises from her ashy ruins.
This is our life now, my fellow citizens. This is the Glory of Rome! So, I ask you, yet again.
Why should the eighth month not bear my name?
Ancient ruins
the ultimate legacy of
emperors
I host Haibun Monday over at dVerse today, where we write haibun about August. The Pub is open! Come join us!
Frank J. Tassone 
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