October 25, 2004

MY NAME IS GLADIATOR

You ask me emperor, "What is your name?"

"I am the gladiator who fought unto fame."

"Remove your helmet gladiator, tell me your real name, this I demand."

I fidgeted with the sharp arrow head I held in my hand.

"I was the general of a nation once great."

I replied looking at the man I most hate.

"Became a slave and forced to fight."

I didn't want to , it was not right.

I had to kill ,I had no choice.

You still don't recognize me be the sound of my voice?

Now I take off my head piece.

The roar of the crowd instantly ceased.

Fighting in the arena had made me a gladiator.

The gladiator who defied an empire.

"My name is Maximus."

I said to the ruler of Rome, who controlled all of us.

"I am the husband to a murdered wife."

"Who payed greatly with her life."

"I am the father to a murdered son."

"They were both innocent, didn't hurt anyone."

"What is this Maximus? You were supposed to be dead?!"

"Supposed to be gone, to be off with your head."

I was now being sentenced, live or die.

The crowd to determine whether or not I survive.

"Live! Live!" Were the crowd's final words.

The surrounding soldiers sheathed their swords.

I live yet another day, my vengeance will soon come to you, Emperor Commodus.

For I am the gladiator, whose name is Maximus.