Midland Railway Bridge Approach, 2010

Wind carries a hint of aniseed, wild fennel
on the river bank beneath the sycamore -
I hear the legionaires march, iron nails
grate on stone, rattle of uniform
stained to kharki and camouflage,
kevlar and the L129A1
Sharpshooter rifle
where the Midland Railway
left bridges as memories.

In my hand, a Union Flag disposes
my allegiance, newly faked
for the day and the burnished sun
that glimmers off the eagle's wing
and the lorica segmentata.

danimik:

I'm sorry that I don't understand the background, historically, of this, but it sounds lovely and threatening at the same time.  Nice juxtaposition of language to tell a story of the beautiful and terrible.

rucieree

Thanks for indulging me in this one.  its probably too entirely personal in concept and development as it stands, but its my way of thinking through the changes that I've implemented in my personal belief system.

A few references - Fennel, Sycamore were introduced to Britain by the Romans.  The Sharpshooter rifle is the modern weapon of choice for the British Army.  The lorica segmentata is the legionary uniform for 1st through third centuries, I think.  Midland Railway Bridge Approach is engraved on a milestone which stands by the saide of a road within half a mile of my home.

Mike