Julia Velva
(Roman headstone on display in York Museum)

Julia Velva proud as punch
Relaxed at the table sharing lunch
Roman matron as busy as bees
Gazing down through the centuries

Julia Velva long gone to rest
Portrayed in stone at what she did best
A loving wife and devoted mother
Blest with children,sister and brother

Did Julia long for sunnier shores
Warm scented evenings out of doors
Olive groves and peaceful times
Apricots and lemons,oranges and limes

Perhaps she yearned with an exiles pain
To see her kith and kin again
Displaying new found wealth and station
To former friends and each relation

Julia Velva, potrayed with affection
Gazes forever in our direction
Seen as she would want to be
Surrounded by her family