Let me take you on a delectable journey
Through the twists and turns of ancient history
Spelled out in this book called ‘The Silk Roads’
For all to learn and reap knowledge from.
It starts with the beginning of time in the centre of Asia
Trade routes slowly established over countless centuries
Did I mention, the Europeans get discounted from this narrative?
As Middle Eastern settlers dressed themselves in diadems
And took over the region under siege of conquest
Greek, Roman, Chinese and Persian empires all ruled once
Swapping jewels for sandals, earrings for cinnamon
As they looked to expand beyond the foreseeable vistas
Creating a lasting legacy that could rewrite the annals of history.
Though each has its own merits, few were as successful as the Romans
With their “cool and fragrant wine” to boot, intoxicating us with mosaics
That formed bridges to distant continents, connecting them to gemstones
Ivory and topaz were laid out in profusion at the behest of Alexander’s feet
Before the Persians took over and rekindled their hold on antiquity
This millennium story is one of brutality, power and iniquity
Forged like an iron glove to transform culture, religion and language’s ability
To connect, divide and transcend human understanding
aesthetic fiction 