A King Born Poem by Alem Hailu Gabre Kristos

Once upon a time

There was an old king

Who used to worry

About one thing

'Surely one day

I will pass away! '



As many me advise

Among my sons

The wise

An heir

Must take over

To govern

My subjects better.



Next to God,

To corporeal things

Who is above,

I want to check

The strength of

My sons' filial love.



Thus his sons he called

To 'How much

do you love me? ' respond.



Answered the elder

'I love you like honey

That has no parallels any! '

He won the warm laughter

Of his father.



'I love you like sugar

Could honey be any better? '

Answered the second

Thus a corner

He succeeded to cut

In his father's heart.



'I love you like a salt

As there is no fault

As missing this ingredient

In any dish

We want to relish! '

Said the youngest

Proving the wisest.



'Come over here

Take over my throne

You are a king born! '



Replied the king

Feeling

From his heart

The lifting

Up of something.