Vanity Poem by Emmanuel Isuku

Behold men of valour, mighty and the strong,
Venerated by monarchs, sophists and throng,
Resting on debilitated heads of the weak,
Their swords; so hard like the parrot's beak,
In spite of them being powerful and brave,
Someday, their abodes will be the grave.


Behold the ladies as their bodies shine,
Like the full grown moon above the eastern pine,
In royal robes and wares they gladly clad,
Alluring every wealthy passing lad,
O that poor hideous maiden being their slave,
Someday, their abodes will be the grave.


Behold the sophists, lawyers and the wise,
On their black sordid lips repose malicious lies,
They are clever and intelligent like the sages,
Earning awesome salaries; some on fat wages,
What is the wealth for? Now I crave,
Someday, their abodes will be the grave.


Behold the famous ruler sitting on his throne,
His crown made of pure diamond stone,
His garment weaved with wool of gold,
Oh! He stands full of shrewdness; so gallant and bold,
But sooner will demise come with its tide and wave,
Someday, his abode will be the grave.