THE EPITHAH BENEATH

THE EPITHAH BENEATH


Lying beneath, it sought no glory
But concedes to the tombstones shine
The glittering glamour of its life
Of elegant and enchanting poses
It lay still --- poise awkward
Unlike in glory days long gone
When fluttering skirts and shirts
Machismo and sweet nonsense
Dine with flailing failing men
Conquered damsels and tin men
And dainty damsels falling in lust
It lay, skin ashen, --- nay ecru
Like the humid earth
‘Tis going to be
It came home laden then
With a virus that eats in haste
And seals man’s locked fate
Without waiting for answers
It lay, having shared the spoils
Of diseases venereal and death
In a dingy little box
Beneath the unforgiving tombstone
A victim of the living and the dead


© Endi
Port Harcourt, Rivers State
July 21st 2006