Backstage At The Colosseum

[Brujita-CrucificadiTa]

This is the one by Arcimboldo that phlebas is thinking of.

I love this illustration, the young and delicate maiden waiting at the exit of the dungeon for her moment to enter the arena, to suffer to the delight of those present, she can hear the torment of others, she knows that soon it will be her turn , I love her calm, resigned expression, she even seems to be "getting ready for the moment", adorable. <3

 

[Blue]

THE TUNNEL

I stumble forward,
pressed together,
shoulder to shoulder,
with the others

Driven forward,
by shouts and lashes
toward the light,
at tunnel’s end

Totally naked,
hands bound tightly,
behind my back,
helpless and afraid

The roar of the crowd,
reverberates in waves,
off the cold dark,
stone tunnel walls

A rounded arch,
frames ahead,
naked bodies,
hanging already from crosses

I recoil in fear,
such ghastly sounds,
anguished screams,
pitiful pleas for mercy

Light flickers ahead,
they move us out,
through tunnel’s mouth
to the arena floor

Stepping forward,
forlornly resigned,
no choice, no options,
but to suffer and die

Barbaria, 2014

A very powerful poem.

 

[Stilet2]

I love this illustration, the young and delicate maiden waiting at the exit of the dungeon for her moment to enter the arena, to suffer to the delight of those present, she can hear the torment of others, she knows that soon it will be her turn , I love her calm, resigned expression, she even seems to be "getting ready for the moment", adorable. <3

Yeah, it seems that her pride overcomes her fear.
Such a unique chance to show herself in front of multi-thousand audience of such huge noble city ... what more could a humble simple girl want?
I imagine her not as a religious martyr, but as a well-trained slavegirl who was prepared specifically for this last performance on the Arena.