Skull Of Ozymandias

Skull Of Ozymandias
© Surazeus
2024 07 12

Despite the ambient atmosphere of hope 
that stifles innovation of the Wyrd, 
we walk together on the desert road 
to measure temperature of the absurd 
defined by bombs that separate the parts 
of injustice encoded by blind bards. 

Because the Lonely Witch of Everywhere 
gives apples to children in the schoolyard, 
I lean against the Dead End sign to stare 
at travelers who pay to ride the ark 
that her son sails to island of sad birds 
with secret paradise of introverts. 

Appointed captain for the Ship of Fools 
by Smiling Princess of the Apple Tree, 
I rewrite Ancient Book of social rules 
to manage New World Order of the free 
who preach salvation of democracy 
against abuse of divine tyranny. 

Protected by concern of Mother Bear, 
who shelters us from war in Cave of Dreams, 
we escape dark church at ring of the bell 
after working all week to run machines 
that generate bodies for nameless ghosts 
so we can feast after we cast our votes. 

Yet One-Eyed Wizard with his broken wand 
is all that stands between our Way of Life 
and Greedy Devil who would steal our land, 
so we vote for him to keep us all safe 
when he stands defiant on Bridge of Faith, 
chanting spells of love to dispel the wraith. 

Climbing Mount Parnassus with Ring of Power, 
that flashes bright with atoms of my brain, 
I guard Rapunzel hiding in Glass Tower 
with Excalibur flashing in the rain 
while she bears the Prince of Peace before dawn 
who arrives on Earth as the Rolling Stone. 

While people stroll the narrow city streets 
in glowing twilight of cool summer eve, 
I meditate with angel-headed bats, 
who dance ballet in jeweled ocean cave, 
with stoic calm before the global storm 
caused when Midas unchains the nuclear worm. 

Facing Queen of Death on her jeweled throne, 
I strum lost lyre of Mercury and sing 
tale of Sisyphus and the rolling stone 
that smashes clay-foot idol of Gold King 
so Skull of Ozymandias in hot sand 
crumbles when Justice strikes him with her hand.