Justinian's Face

Solidus I pay you -
his name and his
famous face - I
flay you once, twice, if
change is not
forthcoming - I abhor
a lack of justice in this
solid world of fairytales
and coin - I pay you
for services rendered - my
name and my
famous face, the
cross solidified
on it and
my halo shining
brightly as any saint
and my throne gilded
gold with crimson
velvet and
diamond studs - pay me
my dues, pay me
in solidus, serf,
or I will take your
home for my
abode - the palm awaits
the load.

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