Quirinus Stands Guard

Quirinus Stands Guard
© Surazeus
2026 03 04

Gripping long spear of ash wood in both hands, 
Quirinus glides through grove of apple trees 
then pauses when he hears young woman sing, 
and peers through leaves to see graceful Fornax 
retrieving from hot oven loaves of bread 
she sets on table beside long grape vines. 

Before he can step in the sunlit glade, 
Quirinus starts when Orion appears, 
hauling handcart that bears several dead deer, 
and growls when Fornax hugs him in delight, 
but laughs when Ceres pushes her away 
and declares he is father of her child. 

Approaching kitchen hall with snarky grin, 
Quirinus hails good health to everyone, 
chuckling as pregnant Ceres pouts and sulks 
while he assists Orion skinning the deer, 
both whistling new popular temple tunes 
with blithe camaraderie of warriors. 

Roasting venison steaks on small bronze grill, 
Quirinus marinates them with fish sauce, 
honey, dried peaches, and sweet vinegar, 
then serves them on plates with cups of spice wine 
to people gathered in temple of Zeus 
where dozens of girls dance with tympanum. 

Hushing the feasting crowd after sunset, 
Quirinus stands guard holding spear of faith 
with his son Janus at the temple door, 
so everyone turns to face the high stage 
with quiet anticipation as stars 
begin to twinkle around the red moon. 

Guarding the temple with flickering torch, 
Quirinus listens with reverent awe 
as Orpheus plays lyre of Mercurius 
and recites tale that recounts the twelve deeds 
which Hercules performed in quest for honor 
to preserve new order of life with justice. 

Leading pregnant cow on the temple stage, 
Quirinus stands before the sibyl throne 
where Tellus presides as Goddess of Earth, 
then after Orpheus chants spell of life 
he sacrifices her to renew life, 
scattering blood on field of new sprouting wheat. 

Holding hands with Tellus while Ceres chants, 
Quirinus leads her to the temple bed 
where they make love with passionate desire 
to resurrect the world from winter death, 
while Orpheus looks for Eurydice, 
calling out her name in the moonlit night.