You were born like Minerva. You sprung, fully formed,
From a crack in a skull that was dashed on your stone
When a beast slaughtered sheep from our Lord Shepherd's flock.
(They were praying together but dying alone.)
You've been silent for centuries, fearful to mock,
Feeling guilt, feeling shame since the day you were born,
So we placed you beneath the basilica floor.
You've lived out your terrible day on your perch
Watching slaves make their peace, and march forward, and die.
The darkness will bury your memories here,
As you sleep 'neath your Father's protectional eye.
No one will find you. There's no need to fear
Being found, for no matter how closely they search,
You're invisible here in the heart of the Church.