Odes 3.17
Horace

Aelius, from ancient Lamus
as those elder Lamiae
   read the family lineage
      in the social register.

The line’s founder they
say held Formiae’s walls
   and Marica’s shore where
      the River Liris swims —

broad dominion. Tomorrow leaves
will litter the grove,
   seaweed the beach, unless
      the crow — rain’s augur —

deceives. Gather dry wood
while you can. Tomorrow
   ease your genius with
      wine and suckling pig.

— John Tipton (© 2009)


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