Gladiator (Part II)

GLADIATOR (PART II)

I’m alive
I still find it hard to believe
My first fight survived
When I entered that arena the crowd sickened me
Their lust for blood fuelling this barbaric practice
But it’s hard to remain sickened by those who gave so much
Those that gave me back my name
My identity

The same sick crowd who craved my demise
For a few moments at least loved me
Women screamed for me
Wanting me
Am I now a hero?

My Lanista was very pleased
The upset seems to have helped his name rise well in the eyes of the emperor
He believes I will make him a wealthy man
Even brought me a woman as a gift

I recognised her face from the crowd
One of a tiny few that seemed disgusted by the events taking place before her
She seemed sad, even scared
As he left her before me it was clear this wasn’t what she wanted

With head held low
A timid voice whispered out
‘How can I please you?’
‘Sit’ I reply ‘Your company is all I ask’
Confused she looked up to me
Revealing her beautiful dark brown eyes
‘I don’t understand’
‘I will not add to the sickness of this place
I may be many things but I still have my honour and I will not strip you of yours’.

We spoke for a while telling me off her life
While I told her parts of mine
A slave she was
Her parents brutally murdered for their Christian beliefs
She saw it happen
As did 50,000 crazed spectators
Roasted on the Iron chair
Since the age of 6 she’s suffered the nightmares
Serving the very killers that ruined her
Many time a gladiator’s prize
Hiding many scars
Behind those dark brown eyes

My hour gone
I now sit here alone
The cold dark cell masking me from the world
But not for long
For tomorrow I fight once more
Not against the lions of nature
But the monsters of the army of Rome
I should be fearful
And fearful I am
But I crave the crowd
To hear my name again
May the Gods be with me