Roman Numerals One and Two
By Ann Applegarth - Roswell, New Mexico, USA - 1 March 2014
I. Follow the Leader
Still it goes before us, elementary:
cloud by day, fire by night, faithful.
And blazing sun can't burn that cloud,
nor deluge quench the billowing flame
that ever rises from the path of those
who follow hard on bended knee that
rocky, blood stained trail that leads
inexorably to Thee.
II. The Yellow Brick Road
The guidons for the silken path are
more complex than cloud and fire:
lies, intricately embroidered in neon
colors on cloth of gold, dazzling.
The patterns shift, variety endless,
gorgeous designs, riveting the eyes
of every reveler. None detects the
gently downward slope of the glassy
trail or notices carrion vultures
quietly circling.