the first title fight

the bell rings
with flexed muscles and a weapons-grade will
civilization takes its first tentative steps
into the ring of the fertile crescent

from willing loins a dynasty is founded
from the receding mists of disorder
an empire takes shape
palace, barracks and ziggurat
unholy trinity side by side

shields and spears
the disciplined phalanx
Saragon's claw

in the corner
the grovelling cut-man
and an arrogant theocracy
who claim supernatural authority

warrior kings extend their power
from Egypt to Ethiopia
from Zagros to the Taurus mountains
from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea
Sumer, champion of the world

but there is strife in paradise
Agga falls to Mesanepada
Mesanepada falls to Gilgamesh
who's self aggrandisement is epic
(the Muhammed Ali of the ancient world)

the best rounds are far behind
Mesilim, King of Kish rules internal decline
while on the borders enemies abound
moving in with ferocious intent

assault after punishing assault
the muscles become rubbery
the will loses direction

the bell has ceased to ring
now it's tolling
time and trouble crave their tribute

Ur falls to the Elamites
Ibbi-Sin's decadent luxury
exchanged for a damp and dreary cell

in the distance waiting to be born
a new champion
hungry for the title



Poetry by Wumbulu
Read 834 times
Written on 2012-02-21 at 16:17

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Blilith
An amazing prose about war, I have bookmarked it. Brilliant use of words, just flows and dark. You have a knowledge of history as well.
*Applause*
2012-03-09



It seems that no generation escapes war and the strutting and posturing of power-hungry men.

Impressive and powerful poem on the history of human ambition and struggle.
2012-02-22


Brian Oarr
here's a meaty piece with a strong central metaphor.

"Down goes Carthage! Down goes Rome!"

Brian
2012-02-21


countryfog
Simply stunning . . . I don't know what else to say. History has bitter lessons and every empire learns them the hard way. There are so many startling yet apt images and turns of phrase here that I couldn't pick just one or two to highlight, and the whole metaphorical construct is perfect.
2012-02-21