Empty Stage Of Faith

Empty Stage Of Faith
© Surazeus
2023 09 08

Awake from dream on empty stage of faith, 
Mercurius clutches broken turtle shell 
amid skeletons of Jove and his court, 
and gazes far from flat-top pyramid 
at herds of cows grazing in fields of wheat 
where skulls of warriors grin at mindless sun. 

Aware of death on empty stage of faith, 
Apollo sings to faceless worshippers 
who feast on beef steak in Temple of Zeus 
while dryads, captured from their forest groves, 
pour wine in grails of ministers and priests 
who laugh with joy at wealth they confiscate. 

Eager for hope on empty stage of faith, 
Mithra sharpens double-blade labyr ax 
while apsaras dance in wild ecstasy 
and gods dressed as ravens beat leather drums 
till thunderstorm blusters from mountain range 
where giant lizards haunt deep jeweled caves. 

Amazed at truth on empty stage of faith, 
Isaiah proclaims prophecies of doom 
to old blind king slouching on throne of gold 
while angels ride hot air balloons in clouds 
high above vast maze of small ziggurats 
where thousands of people drink mushroom wine. 

Alarmed at rage on empty stage of faith, 
Christus wrestles with Lucifer the Wise 
for who will wear the jeweled crown of power 
that falls from palsied head of Jupiter 
till Jesus stabs his brother in the heart, 
than raises bloody sword toward silver moon. 

Annoyed with fools on empty stage of faith, 
Meroveus plays uncanny tune of joy 
and follows Melusine to sacred well 
through eerie shadows of Broceliande 
to teach his whimsical son Oberon 
how to control the greedy minds of men. 

Entranced with love on empty stage of faith, 
Shelley wears gold mask of Prometheus 
to ask Sibylla, hanging in gold cage, 
for ancient map to find the Holy Grail 
long hid in ruined tower of Avalon 
to save Ophelia drowned in Serpent River. 

Amused by demons haunting halls of power, 
Jesuvius restores lyre of Mercury 
then sits on vacant throne in church of mirrors 
to sing new epic tale that celebrates 
philosophers who contemplate the truth 
to overcome outrage that we will die.