The power was an absolute

A rule meant for forever

Each tomorrow seemed so certain

In the narrow view of this empire

The future could never bring

Any undoing of plans or dominion

For decrees and armies and fear

Assured each god-king would hold sway

But tyrants fall before time

And thrones are toppled by the nations

Who envision a new future

Out from beneath the boot

Time is the only monument

Of fallen stones and crumbled walls

The memory of another man’s forever

That proved to be less than always

The voices of the people sing

And the song rises into a shout

A chorus of protest and passion

For the life they long to live

Wisdom asks that we listen

Compassions asks that we see

But rulers hear their own desires

Before the good of all – Caroline A. Slee