like my ancestor’s need for stone and fire

like his need for an axe, for a spear, for a shield

like his need for the solace of a flute...

 

I enriched you

like life is enriched by day

like a wolf is enriched by a night with no moon

I enriched the longing for transcendence

I stayed neither to preach nor to barter with the skins of animals

I stayed to bear witness to the dignity of women enslaved

 

..

 

Wars consumed your remains

Their traces captivated your disciples

in thrall to your fierce charm

You taught me

You delivered me from ignorance

They think I am a king:

Yes, I am the King

 

Painted sandstone figure of a flute-player, from the royal ritual bath at Meroe. The head was stolen from the museum in the 1960s. 100 bc–ad 100. uc8964