Coil Of Taut Time

Coil Of Taut Time
© Surazeus
2025 02 14

Inspired by beautiful calyx of death 
that provides bounty from coil of taut time, 
Consus oversees harvest of gold grain 
heaped on four-wheel wagons, Helius designed, 
hauled by horses along the river shore 
to store fruit of the Earth in temple hall. 

Skipping cheerfully with basket of apples 
along wooded shore of Albula River, 
where Tiberinus drowned to save Albina, 
Spuria Tarpeia sings enchanting tune 
to express her love for the wolf-boy Remus 
whose silver eyes make her heart flutter wild. 

Hiding behind oak in the shadowed vale 
between two hills where the twin brothers reign, 
Spuria watches as Romulus and Remus 
grab arms of Hersilia, then each declares 
intention to crown her their city queen, 
and gasps when the wolf-boy she loves is killed. 

"Once rival gangs on opposing fort hills," 
Romulus proclaims to swift-foot warriors, 
"Now we can merge our forces in one army, 
and thus I crown Hersilia Queen of Roma, 
mistress of the water well whose wise words 
you must obey with loyalty of love." 

Plowing furrow around lush Palatine peak, 
Romulus sets foundation stone in soil, 
then proclaims construction with honest hands 
high Wall of Romulus built with strong stone 
to surround pale of paradise with hope 
that provides haven for wandering tribes. 

Stepping forward from assembly of men, 
Neptunus requests word scepter to speak, 
"Because our wall-enclosed haven of Roma 
is crowded now with swift-foot warriors, 
our rising glory of power will die 
if we have no children to build our state." 

"Your words inspire me with clever plan," 
Romulus grins, "so I hereby announce 
new games festival I name Consualia, 
lead by you, bold equestrian Neptunus, 
as Consus, warden of the harvest grain, 
to host in honor of your sea-wild father." 

Festooning horses with garlands of flowers, 
Consus Neptunus and his cult of grooms 
lead horses to parade in streets of Roma 
past swift-foot warriors with long spears and bows 
who capture Sabine virgins as their wives 
while Romulus reigns as Jupiter Feretrius.