black holes and revelations

went through my childhood bookshelf today

Found many horrifying books. Specifically, a book called Cleopatra VII, from a series called “The Royal Diaries.” There are many gems from this book, but I would like to share a particularly titillating selection:

EARLY MORNING

Little Octavian is here, such a dear child! Julia, his aunt, brought him from the sweltering heat of Rome. Already the sunshine and sea breezes have improved his complexion and he is most cheerful. But he has begged to stay with me instead of her because the villa she is living in this summer is in Pompeii, a few miles inland, much too far away for a boy anxious to build sand forts on the beach.

Thus, by staying at the villa of Atticus, Octavian can run from his room into the water whenever he pleases, and play in the waves. (We are so alike on this!)

TWO DAYS LATER, SUNSET

Some days my heart is so lonely, it feels as if I am a bird sitting alone on a roof. I watch the sea and wish my little island Antirrhodus was in the bay, or near enough for me to swim to. Would sitting in my own palace make me feel more at home?

In my mind I see Marc Antony in his soldier’s tunic, coming for me, his warship ready to sail for Egypt.

I think about him often.

MORE LIKE

BUILDING SAND CASTLES

TO DESTROY WHEN THE TIDE COMES IN

WHILE LAUGHING TO HIMSELF

“CHEERFULLY”