Roman Wall Blues
Roman Wall Blues - meaning Summary
Soldier's Homesick, Comic Lament
A soldier stationed on a northern frontier speaks in plain, comic-lyric tones about discomfort, loneliness and longing. He lists physical hardships—cold, rain, lice—and personal troubles: a distant lover, rivals, and a lost ring gambled away. The voice mixes wry humor and melancholy, ending with a sardonic future image of a one-eyed veteran staring at the sky. The poem contrasts mundane detail with a larger sense of exile and desire.
Read Complete AnalysesOver the heather the wet wind blows, I've lice in my tunic and a cold in my nose. The rain comes pattering out of the sky, I'm a Wall soldier, I don't know why. The mist creeps over the hard grey stone, My girl's in Tungria; I sleep alone. Aulus goes hanging around her place, I don't like his manners, I don't like his face. Piso's a Christian, he worships a fish; There'd be no kissing if he had his wish. She gave me a ring but I diced it away; I want my girl and I want my pay. When I'm a veteran with only one eye I shall do nothing but look at the sky.
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