I went to the ocean to look at myself
I saw beauty reflecting in the waves
I heard rolling sea crash upon the rocky shelf
Like thunderous applause speaking my raves
I climbed a mountain to see my domain
I saw the vastness of the land below me
I viewed all I had built upon my terrain
Over the sky, on the land and in the sea
I went to the nations to feel people's love
I saw the wonder and awe in their eyes
I heard praises come to me from above
I knew beyond all doubt that I alone was wise
It was at that very moment, it all tumbled down
I lost all reason within my very being
I lost all the glory and riches of my crown
All I had believed and known was fleeing
I lived like a wild beast off of the land
I hunted for my sanity in the dirt
I was an animal, a simple creature, not a man
I had been driven to live alone in the desert
When my reason returned to me after seven years
I bowed my head to the ground and bent my knees
I could not speak; I could only produce tears
But the Almighty heard my silent pleas
I lifted my hands to offer my praise
He restored to me the vastness of my realm
For He is the only one who will lower or raise
I now live my life with God at the helm
Author notes
Nebuchadnezzar's sin was pride (vanity). His lesson is told in the poem though not all the details of the story are from his story. The piece is about the lesson he learned.
Daniel 4:31-34
31 The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven, "This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 32 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes."
33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.
34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.
In a list
A contest entry
- The Seven Deadly Sins by February Moon.
450 points, ended March 28, 2007, 21 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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Very well written and thought. It is a good poem as a lightbearer for this ethic. Lots of kings suffer temporal vanity problems thinking they have the way, the truth and the life. Your poem is very rich in providing vital explanations about power base and unattractive features. Nice pic too. Regards and blessings.
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Very nice. This was written well. The rhyme and flow were done well. Good luck in my contest, and thank you again for entering.
Chelsea
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