Act 2, Scene 1 Poem by Chukuemeka Akpe

Long before the curtains parted
machinations and assassinations
heralded the much vaunted drama.

The prelude,
a vapid display
devoid of any real significance

crystallized

into a charade
cloaked as a franchise
to a bemused audience

who watched
the rehash of a tragicomedy
purloined from ancient masters.

A trite and ignominious show
foisted on bleary eyed spectators
circumspect of long dreary martial plays

parading pompous
actors sans scripts
as agonizing interlude.

A duet:
The old puppet
The wily ventriloquist

for a finale,
barked strange speeches
that grated all ears.

But,

the claque clapped
hoisting heroes and heroines
on rigged bloodied platforms.