Monday, August 9, 2021

The Truth About Our King (Poem Circa 2012)

Peasants!
Our king loves your softness
His royal, unfurled carpet
Boots plunking around each inch
Cushioning his feet
Peasants!
Your music pleases him
Percussion of metallic coins
In tax bags as sweet
As your hungry children crying
Shrill notes as the carriage passes
Peasants!
Our king acknowledges your sacrifice
Your young men falling
Like rain from waged war
Soon, your ladies will follow them
Peasants!
Your fear sustains him
His golden throne built upon
The ground your noses touch
Like pecking birds
Peasants!
Loyalty is negotiable
Obedience is not 
Peasants!
Hail your king!

I found this in an old document a couple of months ago. I remember trying to write a free-verse heraldic ode with this but failing... it must have something to do with my dislike of aristocracy.

2 comments:

  1. I like it. The tone of praise intermixed with accidental honesty about despotism is perfect. @samanthabwriter from
    Balancing Act

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! I always thought it just came off as almost preaching.

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