Faded Glory
Is there a more forlorn sight?
Or a harsher judgment cast down in the Court of Mother Nature?
We witness the downturned head of the shame-faced sunflower
Pious worshipper of the Emperor Soleil
Seeker of the sunlight’s patronage
Face drawn to the glow of his Master’s magnificence
Bold yellow trim to his ceremonial ermine
Like Icarus, drawn too high, too close to the throne
Fingers burned
Reputation darkened
Exiled as seasons pass
Until, once more, drawn to the Court of the Sun King
This courtier returning in full pomp
Resplendent once again in golden array
As calls the Sun, “flower”
