Lucas Wallin ‘24 Tragoedia Anima

Tragoedia Anima (Tragedy of the Soul)

PRISMS BACKGROUND/INTRO

This poem follows the life of Antonius Parocles Carolus, a fictional Roman Statesman compared to Julius Caesar. The story starts with him being born, son of a significant statesman in Ancient Rome. His father falls ill, and passes away, the next target is Parocles whose mother protects him from being killed by his fathers political enemies. He grows up and becomes a prominent statesman and ally of Julius Caesar. Once he is killed, he inherits Caesars reputation as a statesmanship, and leads the Roman Empire but is eventually killed just as Caesar was assassinated. His death conflicts the Roman Empire, which is left to fate to decide the destiny of Rome.

I walk the valley The valley of death Shallow heart’s content. For it is where I, Antonius Parocles Carolus, Uphold my pledge in day Of oath and faith To the location of city A. Born of mundane parentage, I stay at bay; In thorough bones, I lie; Deceased in life, I pray.

One hopeful night Passions spirited I am born under prey United forces against meI As I lay The cradle of Emperor Where I lie Is all that I cherish today

Youthful livelihood made way As I ascended that which lay, In front of me I and fore-bearers. The mountain of demise Stayed away In course of love and kindred spirit; In thorough bones, I lie; Deceased in life, I pray.

Thyself made journey Through the wood and desolate harvest Upon my own Caesar, I prayed Death be upon him everyday

Within short time and day Ides of March appeared that day That with which death appeared I ascended what duty permit Leapt into a stratosphere Of lonely nights and Perilous prey

Death duty paid its due Through cowardly quarrels And underworld prey’s One hell of a rotten crowd Species of which Known no bounds I lay deceased everyday In thorough bones, I lay Deceased in life, I prayed

As March began Early nights and yam Fellow dips paved their way For course was set Without me. Arisen from despair To Emperors chair I stand alone On this floor Surrounded by prey I say my peace Make it sweet For I am Antonius Parocles Carolus Born of mundane parentage, I stay in the way In thorough bones, I lay Deceased in life, I pray

- Lucas Wallin ‘24

PRISMS