deepundergroundpoetry.com
The Destruction of the Sea-People
A mighty kingdom o’er mountains north
Tales of its treasure spread widely forth
Yet coveting bounty from the land below
Mysterious riches for those in the know
A humble village nestled next to the sea
Ruled by none but their own humility
Possessing a prize world-over renown’d
Honored in secret where secrets abound
Begrudging the people their loyalty
The Ruler consumed by his royalty
Nefarious planning far into each night
Blinded by greed ever-eager to fight
Peaceful villagers fell swiftly as expected
Slaughter’d innocence mercy neglected
Assumption assured a reward most grand!
Pompous parade across bloodied land
Soldiers searched Death’s ghosted halls
Finding war’s profit behind crumbled walls
Expecting to uncover vast precious gold
Payment for greedy souls they’d just sold
Discov’ring instead a plain wooden box
Containing a single scroll and no locks
Retrieving it gingerly from its silk bed
“Love One Another” was all that it said
Tales of its treasure spread widely forth
Yet coveting bounty from the land below
Mysterious riches for those in the know
A humble village nestled next to the sea
Ruled by none but their own humility
Possessing a prize world-over renown’d
Honored in secret where secrets abound
Begrudging the people their loyalty
The Ruler consumed by his royalty
Nefarious planning far into each night
Blinded by greed ever-eager to fight
Peaceful villagers fell swiftly as expected
Slaughter’d innocence mercy neglected
Assumption assured a reward most grand!
Pompous parade across bloodied land
Soldiers searched Death’s ghosted halls
Finding war’s profit behind crumbled walls
Expecting to uncover vast precious gold
Payment for greedy souls they’d just sold
Discov’ring instead a plain wooden box
Containing a single scroll and no locks
Retrieving it gingerly from its silk bed
“Love One Another” was all that it said
Published 1st Nov 2020
Author's Note
Written for the She Walks In Beauty competition and inspired by Lord Byron’s “The Destruction of Sennacherib”
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43827/the-destruction-of-sennacherib
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43827/the-destruction-of-sennacherib
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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The author encourages honest critique.
Anonymous
1st Nov 2020 9:37pm
Luna, I believe that has to be a record in terms of fastest entry to these CCComps. And a marvelous offering it is!
Good luck in the judging!
Good luck in the judging!
1st Nov 2020 9:58pm
A convergence of an interesting web of coincidences; I had just finished reading a book containing some of Lord Byron’s poetry while listening to a scratchy vintage “One Tin Solider” album by Coven. In keeping with the spirit of the poet himself, this is the fruit of that scandalous union lol. Thank you for the well wishes 💜!
4th Nov 2020 5:12pm
And again you broaden your horizons with this proportional and elegant offering, adroitly rendered with a mellifluous structure that remains fluid, which is no easy feat. Beautiful storytelling.
4th Nov 2020 5:42pm
Thank you so much, Daniel. It’s not a perspective I’ve really used before, and I’m happy it presents as the cohesive story I meant to tell 💜
8th Nov 2020 1:27pm
Dear L,
You’ve masterfully captured the essence of Byron’s poem in your own. Your story is as biblical as his with a beautiful message amidst the epic carnage of mans greed. Brava and best of luck in this comp. H🌷
You’ve masterfully captured the essence of Byron’s poem in your own. Your story is as biblical as his with a beautiful message amidst the epic carnage of mans greed. Brava and best of luck in this comp. H🌷
8th Nov 2020 3:09pm
Thank you so much, Honoria. I get chills every time I hear One Tin Soldier, and it seemed to layer nicely with Byron’s battle 💜
