.
Uxorious?
He tried to guard composure as he pressed
the new denarius to his chapped lips
and unbecoming tears for noblemen
slipped privately to stain his cheeks and bed.
“Faustina, death entombs a healthful rest
while dolor molds my mood,” his voice had slipped,
“but I’ve betrothed your memory to deeds,
dear Diva, and no other wife I’ll wed.”
Go let the clapper sound no more for her,
and may the other instruments drop mute,
for glory latches to Faustina’s name
through gifts upon the orphaned and ill-fed!
That image of her loosened from his grip
as he arose from grieving to get dressed.
.
.
Christopher Fried (b. 1985) lives in Richmond, VA and works as an ocean shipping logistics analyst. He has published a novel and two books of poetry, including the recently published Analog Synthesis (2025) by Kelsay Books.
The denarius (Roman silver coin) places this poem during the Roman Empire era as does Faustina, which I presume to be the one known as “The Younger” and the wife of Marcus Aurelius. “Uxorious” is a perfect title for the fondness and grief shown by the nobleman in your sensitive precious poem.
Thanks! It’s actually referencing Faustina the Elder (Antoninus Pius’s wife), but you’re close since “The Younger” was her daughter, Marcus Aurelius was “The Elder’s” nephew, and both women were deified posthumously. I find the less-mentioned figures of history more interesting to highlight.
Faustina was the wife of the Emperor Antoninus Pius (the name “Antonio” should be changed in the photograph’s title). He built the place to honor his dead wife. When Antoninus Pius was given divine status after his death, the later Emperor Marcus Aurelius named the building The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.
Thanks! The photograph’s title has been updated correctly.