Poem: Etched In Stone

Ongoing studies of Egyptian history
demonstrate lessons can still be learned.
Their oversized achievements were possible,
by having its peoples’ hearts turned…

to the idea of a national identity.
Around the Nile’s life giving source,
the commonality of personal survival
eventually produced an effective workforce.

Since times of Middle Eastern antiquity,
the annual flooding of the coastal plains
created the opportunities to trade away
the abundance of flourishing grain.

From enjoying unexpected prosperity,
the human lust for gold, wealth and power
was lavishly made clear by the Pharaohs -
as evidenced on their monuments and towers.

Under the pretense of religiosity,
Pharaoh was supposedly “heaven sent”;
for blinded people without vision
will always find having their will bent…

and on their knees, before earthly authority.
With governmental dictates on its population,
the heaping of rock into pyramidal shapes
has resulted in lasting, tourist attractions.

And what else, might one see?
From ancient propaganda on temple walls,
the timeless message of glory and conquest
still beckons everyone to its empire’s call.

Is it really true? What else can it be?
What about these ruins are still unknown?
What primeval truths are being promoted?
Seeing they’ve been… etched in stone.

Author Notes:

Loosely based on:
Gen 47:13-26

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By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.