Ancient civilisations come and go

Are obliterated, lost to my touch

But then reappear

Slanting pyramids preside over

A famed institute of learning

Overseeing the continuation

Precious papyrus scrolls

Decorated with strands

Of ancient wisdom

Pass from hand to hand

Indebted, I now stride with sun kings

Considerate, Phoebus

Throws sun-kissed javelins of fire

Against the reflective glory

Of our own very modern Wharf

Blessing my metamorphosis

As I near a brotherly kingdom

Venturing boldly into the valley of kings

But when wavering at the track-edge

I kick out, am joined by enraged Mars

Fighting the fettering of human limbs

Against dull rockeries of mortal earth

We become the freedom fighters

Enlightening darkened barbarians

Imitating a colossal academic

Towering alongside

Another pyramidal temple of beauty

Admirable, rising from

The ashes of ancient loss

The Sun King

Shines absolute

Is the golden heritage

Bright Lugh only a devoted follower

Burning circles with blazing chariots

Electric, sullen spirits transform

Into a burning inferno

Touched by shining deities

I continue the pilgrimage

Euphoric, I rise eternal

With his sun.

Natasha Haidar © 2004