Saturday, 15 March 2025 09:36 pm
The Idea of Ides
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deckardcanineIn modern times, the only day we’re apt to call “the ides”
Is March 15; in ancient Rome, it typically applied
To 13th days of months, except in those with 31:
March, May, July, October. Yeah, that calendar was fun,
With winter months unnamed for 61 unnumbered days.
I know folks didn’t farm then, but the thought can still amaze.
In broader use, “the ides” could well include the prior week,
Which followed on the nones (Day 5 or 7). How oblique.
The kalends was Day 1; that seems more worthy of a name,
But counting back from each of these evokes a tricky game.
Why subdivide like that? To match the phases of the moon,
Its fullness on the ides. Of course, it wasn’t quite in tune.
The Romans later talked about “the last year of confusion”
Before they changed the calendar. I’d reach the same conclusion.
Is March 15; in ancient Rome, it typically applied
To 13th days of months, except in those with 31:
March, May, July, October. Yeah, that calendar was fun,
With winter months unnamed for 61 unnumbered days.
I know folks didn’t farm then, but the thought can still amaze.
In broader use, “the ides” could well include the prior week,
Which followed on the nones (Day 5 or 7). How oblique.
The kalends was Day 1; that seems more worthy of a name,
But counting back from each of these evokes a tricky game.
Why subdivide like that? To match the phases of the moon,
Its fullness on the ides. Of course, it wasn’t quite in tune.
The Romans later talked about “the last year of confusion”
Before they changed the calendar. I’d reach the same conclusion.