Ages of Reed and Lotus [edit]

[CRNDLSM]

I really like writing about writing, this is history included.  

Ages of Reed and Lotus


    The paperless future is always five years away
    because no one trusts a paperless past.


  Egypt.  Giant reeds, papyrus, rise
from brown Nile water, columns symbolize
protection, safety, bearing up the skies.

  Sacred lotus floats near, blue and bright
in sunlight but at sunset sinks from sight
drugged metaphor of death, rebirth, soul’s plight.

Reeds split and glued form frail papyrus scrolls
scribes diligently copy, for their rolls
convey troop musters, tax and subject polls.

Unlike the lotus constantly reborn
papyrus lasts but few years when it’s torn
from Egypt’s sandy desiccating bourne.

Barbarians take Egypt, halting trade;         I feel like I don't know enough history to grasp this paragraph
uncopied Roman records rot and fade;                I understand all the egypt but this seems the only rome part
Rome falls, administration mute, decayed.               unless the west refers to rome as well because modern day has so much in common with it

So lotus-like the West sinks into dark                                
and scribeless ignorance until ink’s mark
impressed on rag-laid paper lights a spark.

But will its records, digitized, survive                       digitized seems to be the only reference to modern day
float like the sacred lotus, never dive                              which i want more of after reading the quote at the beginning
in darkness - needing paper to revive?

I love the format, re read it several times just to enjoy the phrasing.  Thanks for sharing