He sits on his appointed throne,

throwing bones on the fire

He knows no cold, no discomfort

Sits back to watch the flames grow

and cast shadows on neighboring walls



Just beyond his darkness, children shiver



Safe within crumbling cornerstones,

traces of forgotten obligations ignite

There is no remorse, no contrition

as he slips unseen to watch the blaze envelop

and create chaos in sanctified walls



the children shiver, left in the cold,

they shiver



Once hailed a hero, a light in the darkness,

he was to fuel the fires of renewal

No vindication, no celebration

as the voice of a disenchanted assembly falls silent

left to join their children



shivering in the cold





photo: pixabay