Midnight Poetry: “Alea Jacta Est”

.
Alea Jacta Est
(William Haskins)
.

in fury’s grasp
or throes of pain,
when nightmares stalk
the waking brain,
and monsters wear
the masks of men—

still the mind,
move the pen.

beneath the heel
of tyrants’ wrath,
when robber-barons
plot your path,
to journey through
the vipers’ den—

steel the soul,
move the pen.

and when the
final die is cast,
each breath connected
to your last,
a matter of
not if, but when—

steal the night,
move the pen.

(Read more of William Haskins’ poetry here)

Editor’s note: ‘Midnight Poetry’ is a showcase for work by poets across the spectrum—from the pantheon of literary giants to contemporary, underground and new voices.

If you would like to submit your work for consideration, please see our Submission Guidelines.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 30th, 2008 at 9:11 pm and is filed under *William's Posts, Midnight Poetry. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

8 Responses to “Midnight Poetry: “Alea Jacta Est””

1. Jamie Says:
   September 30th, 2008 at 9:37 pm

   One of my all-time favorites. Absolutely gorgeous.

2. Bird of Prey Says:
   September 30th, 2008 at 9:46 pm

   I lost my breath somewhere in those stunning verses. Thankfully, I found it or I wouldn’t be able to tell you how appallingly gifted you are, William.

3. Stew Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 8:17 am

   It is also one of my favorites. This is an instant classic to me, and a call to action which I love. I go back to this one time and again for inspiration and the push.

   Thanks for posting it.

   Stews last blog post..Chapter 8

4. Michael Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 9:02 am

   Very nice. I really liked it.

   Unfortunately, for some reason, I have very little appreciation for poetry but this was a very dramatic, invigorating read.

   What does the title mean?

5. Stew Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 9:10 am

   alea jacta est means “the die is cast”

   Stews last blog post..Chapter 8

6. William Haskins Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 9:48 am

   yes… “the die is cast”.

   it is what julius caesar is reported to have said upon crossing the rubicon, thus sealing his fate with regards to the civil war that followed.

7. Jamie Mason Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 9:55 am

   One thing I like about it is that, because of the homonyms, it has to be read to be fully appreciated. It’s only for eyes-to-mind transmission - pure writing. It’s maybe a silly point, but special to me.

8. William Haskins Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 5:52 pm

   thank you all for your comments. you made my day.

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