Thousands of Roman coins—bronze, silver, gold—
and tableware boast most of this treasure
housed in the British Museum. My bold
choice, though: presents for your smiling pleasure—
two pierced-work gold bracelets, and body chain
of gold with amethyst and four garnets
still intact these centuries later. Pains
me to say four pearls are missing, and yet
we can replace those shelled gifts from the sea.
We’ll fly to Manhattan by private jet,
hop a sleek limousine to Tiffany’s.
I’ll even buy you an antique lorgnette
and matched set of ancient Greek pottery
(all this after I win the lottery).
Roger Armbrust
January 1,
2013
