By Steve King
© 2014 All rights reserved
The age grew up unlike any other,
comparisons to old times
hardly worth the bother.
In the first war that we know,
the jealous king felt stinging bronze.
But our kings campaign from desktops,
between state dinners
and downtime for noble awards.
Lightning springs from ready buttons.
Weary Zeus had to conjure
a universe of rage.
We have men of the people now
thrust to our vanguard,
average in all but command.
Our last Agamemnon slumbers with stars,
war now a wearying commonplace,
to gather only transient conquerors.
A post for Imaginary Garden With Real Toads
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This is an excellent comparison between new world and old. Your cynicism strikes just the right note.
ReplyDeleteLightning springs from ready buttons.
Weary Zeus had to conjure
a universe of rage.
What more to be said?
The concept of kings and wars have changed dramatically. I specially like this last lines:
ReplyDeletewar now a wearying commonplace,
to gather only transient conquerors.
Weary for war, that we are ~ Have a good week Steve ~
Sad that war has become so commonplace....great comparison between then and now
ReplyDeleteAgreed that this age is unlike its others, I think since we have somehow managed to hard-wipe the past. The big events are tedious repititions engineered by no kings. Yes.
ReplyDeleteWonderful. (Awful.). Unfortunately the ready buttons can conjure a universe of destruction. Wonderful use of heroic icons as they create a shorthand to sharp contrast. K. Manicddaily
ReplyDelete"Lightning springs from ready buttons.
ReplyDeleteWeary Zeus had to conjure
a universe of rage."
"Our last Agamemnon slumbers with stars,
war now a wearying commonplace,
to gather only transient conquerors."
I love the references to Greek mythology with Zeus, and Agamemnon who commanded the troops in the Trojan war. So true about those "desktop kings" and commanders. So easy to order the troops when 1/2 a world away, not getting your own hands dirty, lightning indeed striking from "ready buttons."
You always capture so much with your words, Steve. Mixing in the ancient you have created such a timely piece.