Variegated streaks of a rainbow:
Python and its dapples;
Great Emperor of the Elysian field…
The brass bell is dusted and oiled.
The hibernating spirit-gods and muse
Are summoned to pay their homage.
Deft fingers, you that strummed
On the seven-stringed violin, marshalling
The grand worship at Pantheon.
Mystique of lion; fortress of the den:
You crossed the Rubicon, championing a battle,
And prevailing over all, returned solely,
Full-fledged with seven colours of eagle quill
(That seven generations of your offspring
May never know the vicious taste steel).
Sun’s brightest Orion;
Most beloved of Vesta, how fair you are,
Fairer than the vestal virgins!
Heraldry of Zephyr’s loftiest entry;
Eunuch’s horn of septet valves:
Upon your legendary ivory towers
My face I veil in noble obeisance;
Deep-drunken from the nectar of your goblet,
Too strong to bear your acolyte-bard.
Ah, poor me, this song is heavier
Than your green lips…
Written by: Kelechi Oriaku Ansel
Edited by: Kukogho Iruesiri Samson