Where Have You Been My Ancient Coin

Where Have You Been My Ancient Coin

a poem by Chris T.

 

 

Oh where have you been my ancient coin

I wonder what aged hands have you passed through

Were you the possession of a senator

Or payment to finance the latest coup

 

Did you pay for a plebeians taxes

Or, did you secure a tribune’s vote

Maybe you purchased a patrician’s tunic

Or,  been used to deliver a note

 

Your Roman bronze was struck by hand

With the  face of Galerius embossing the denomination

The force of your hammering  has left you oval in shape

With the word “Imperator” showing  your deification

 

Has my coin traveled to Persia

The site of the emperor’s great feat

Or, did you go no farther

Than the bath’s soothing heat

 

Grain, wine or lamp oil would make a smart choice

Maybe your purchase was more carnal in nature

Did my coin secure an artist for a fresco

Or are you the  gathered earnings of a business venture

 

Were you wagered on a gladiator

Or in a gambling hall

Were you victorious that day

Or did your champion fall

 

You were forged in the province of Antioch

Along side the many Roman roads

Did you enter Ephesus,Phillipi or Corinth

And did you enter the gates of Rome

 

Did you buy a gladius

A soldier’s great sword

Or did you provide payment

To feed the Roman horde

 

Many images flood my mind

Of my ancient coin of old

If only this bronze piece could speak

And its story would be told.

Author's Note

One of my hobbies is collecting coins. I have a small assembly of ancient and U.S. coins that keep my attention. I love to imagine where the coins have been, whose hands they have touched and what did they buy? The poem represented here is of my oldest coin from circa 305 AD to 311 AD and is over 1700 years old. Can you fathom the events in history this coin could have been a part of. Here is my poem of my favorite coin.
As you read it, let the images of warriors, senators and the “republic” flood your mind and spark a thirst for history as it did for me.
As always, please leave a comment.
Enjoy,
The Great Plains Poet

Reviews

[Christina May Shanaberg]

My mother has, recently, now only been telling me of our treasure, but slowly entrusting me with it to pass it on. Most has passed through many of my ancestors hands and, with each passing, comes a story. Like the first Chia Pet, a Doughboy from World War I.

I, always, register with "Where's George!" And, your poem reminds me of that. Our money travels more than we do and experiences so many more things than we ever will.

Great write!

[.]

I like that you have written about something as simple as a coin..but as with all good writing..you have unearthed a spectrum of ideas - the coin has journeyed through history and holds a magic about it..

[Pradnya]

i must say chris u are truely very creative, and your poem is absolutely fantastic

[rwar ish me]

this is very nice.
The trip of a coin.
Never read a piece like this.
I enjoyed it very much.
Great job!
~Amai