CARDBOARD ROME

We built up our Rome upon drifting sand You painted your lips with the shade of hush The crown left a dent from a heavy hand We owe them no tears and we owe no rush The gods in the glass have begun to fade We measure our grace by the length of shade Inside of this cold, damp and hollow bed We thought we were all that the world had made The empire is crashing down over our head You set your own price that was far too steep! The pedestal’s gone, it’s a farce instead Just look at the cardboard collapse in a heap! Hit the ground Hit the ground Vae victis! No mercy is found! The blood in the veins doesn't pulse—it rings Like trumpets of brass over hollow wins You gaze from the ledge where the shadow clings To a crimson sunrise where the end begins Have pride for your breakfast, reproach for bread Your throne was a stool by the kitchen wall The flat is so frozen, so numb and dead A draft at your back like a gun through the hall The empire is crashing down over our head You set your own price that was far too steep! The pedestal’s gone, it’s a farce instead Just look at the cardboard collapse in a heap! Hit the ground Hit the ground Vae victis! No mercy is found! You were begging for war Just to burn out the core Rubbing cayenne and salt In the freshly torn scar What was left of the soul Washed away in the dark Gun to the skull Cocked SIC TRANSIT GLORIA MUNDI! Woe to the broken Woe to the divine Nothing for monarchs Just ashes and grime Vae victis Curtains are torn In the cup of triumph Venom of your own Drink To the dregs