POETRY

god the father

in their eyes
you are a vengeful,
thundering, punishing god
hurling thunderhead frowns,
flashing lightning-bolt eyes
where only moments before
the warm sun shone.

source of power,
wealth and abundance,
you, all-knowing facilitator,
blithely wield unfathomable
mysteries of fire, electricity,
automotion, remote control

nothing is beyond you
who can subdue all the other
gods on the block,
even the goddess is (seemingly)
at your command,
and shrinks at the raising of your hand

enjoy your reign,
o’er reaching mortal,
glory is fleeting ‘tis said,
as your subjects grow
the less you know
your crown is tipped askew
they glimpse gods
of celebrity whose
kingdoms far exceed you

‘twill be their memory
of past mercies alone
allows the deposed despot
some shred of former
awe and reverence.

m. landers 12/02