True Lamp Of Diogenes

True Lamp Of Diogenes
© Surazeus
2025 07 16

When I find true lamp of Diogenes 
in the antique shop on Tripodon Street, 
half-hidden behind the albatross wing 
and the typewriter that Elytis owned, 
I buy it for thirteen dollars from Hermes, 
then wander weird streets of America. 

With lamp of Diogenes in my hand, 
and wisdom of Athena in my heart, 
I walk maze of streets in America 
to find the honest man who knows the Why 
that programs atomic clock of the brain 
to conjure virtual model of the world. 

Approaching giant statue in the square 
where we once fought for truth and liberty, 
I see its head is cast from gleaming gold 
that casts glow of charisma on the world, 
but its feet are frail clumps of crumbling clay, 
so the tyrant will topple from its greed. 

Ascending steps of the grand Capitol 
that shines on top the hill of global power, 
I search its politician-crowded halls 
and legislative chambers of firm desks, 
but find no honest man with generous heart 
among the vampires wearing clean blue suits. 

Riding elevators in tall glass towers 
to visit hushed headquarter offices 
that manage global corporate companies 
where thousands of accountants and salesmen 
analyze data on spreadsheets of hope, 
but not one sees the clear light of my lamp. 

When solemn light of credit flickers out 
in gusts of change from world-sweeping events, 
I rekindle frail flame of fantasy 
that radiates from lamp of Diogenes 
so I may see the fortune-mapping way 
through ever-shifting labyrinth of fate. 

Just as I almost give up futile hope 
of ever finding the one honest man 
who could preside our complex nation-state, 
I find in shadow of the timeless book 
brave Goddess of Justice and Liberty 
who tries to avoid political games. 

When clear light from lamp of Diogenes 
reveals face of the woman I respect, 
whose star illuminates the firmament, 
I give her scroll with message from our hearts 
imploring she save us from tyranny 
and restore our democracy of faith.