Just outside of the Great Hall
Cold winds blew disapproval
Affronted thunder and sporadic lightning
Black ice attendant on eaves and doorways
Lights quickly flickering dark foreboding
The fearful apocalyptic coronation of Cain
The dreaded Coronation of Cain
Within that cavernous edifice
Flags, merriment, pomp and ceremony
A blast of bugles, the tattoo of drums
Cain looked on, lips dripping with glee
Head held high in miscreant entitlement
Beholding the pomp and raucous celebration
Awarded, at last, and long-awaited
The triumphant day has come at last
His time to be worshiped, and to get even
He will show the world and himself
The echoing victory of the drums
Outside the Great Hall
In a dark corner, by the big rock
A tiny strand of a light green shoot
Seemed responsively to appear
Reminding the ambient winter season
That Spring is eternal and will soon appear
And in joy redeem the season.
1/21/23 (N YC). Leonard N. Shapiri
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