Mortal Lord

There once was a grand lord old in age,
dry skin, wrinkled and voice soft echoes.
A sovereign ruler with a just hand evenly held,
ne'er a judgment wavered nor failed.
So loved, so pious, so prospered,
but as years increased
his subjects saw him less then least.

Then there came a day lolling on
when heard behind his curtained wall a voice
'ere could only volley forth of the king's mouth
"Burn the fields for they are a burden to me.
Burn the fields for they are a heavy burden to me."
And the villagers, servants and slaves stared
with little realization 'cept no fields no toil
so uttered they as sprouts were fired
"Our Lord sees our burden and takes it as his.
Our Lord shall provide. Our Lord shall provide"

Another day full of strangeness came
when he on his dais throne concealed
gave instructions truly queer,
"Disparage not the love toward thy kin nor shun.
Disparage not the lust-love toward thy kin nor shun."
And so brother and sister did join hands
for it was nicer meet than a stranger's keep
But now hunger skulked in, kindling residence
so some shook their heads with docility in eye
and but spoke, "A new freedom, let it lie."

But the next moon passed and a new queer utter
"Slaughter your children for they are sheep.
Slaughter your children for they are only sheep."
And the commoners quail with mouths gaped slack
with fear until young noble did wail,
"These children are neither so strong nor brave as you.
And a fresher batch would surely stand more true.
So offer them up in your dinner fires
for this is what our high Lord desires."
So even the most deprived ate well
for many a child was roasted in their empire hell
speaking, "Old and wise and knowing our King is."

But when time waxed on and sorrows fled returned
as swift as their deluded bellies filled
with black fallow fields once rich with gold
Discussed with their own obedient follies
stormed the curtained royal seat with torch
But with tapestry tossed aside
To their shocked dismay--no one sat on the throne
just dust and bones...
just dust and bones...

© 1998

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Asdzani Bah & her "Pandora's Box"