The god kings gather their grave goods
a spearhead
a bronze arm ring
seven arrow heads
as if they can build a wall
a jade figurine
a clay jar containing herbs
a gold disc
between themselves and death
a pot of spelt
a terracotta figure of a horse
a silver leaf
as if they need to feed
a sheaf of flax
a woven blanket
a twisted torc
as if they need to serve
a leather purse
a bunch of keys
a jewelled pin
their souls on that long journey
a jet brooch
a bundle of poems
a lock of hair
but we look at their bones
a MacBook
a mountain bike
a paddle board
a Starbucks cup
an inflatable mattress
a Samsung Galaxy
a pair of trainers
a Big Mac and fries
and know that their souls starved.
For Brendan at earthweal.
Sarah writes poems 
Give me the grave goods any day, Sarah, I prefer the old gods’ wall. What a complete list of artefacts and treasure to feed the soul.
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Wow, a great point Sarah! I enjoyed the form of this poem, taking me back to my archaelogy days. A lot to think about here.
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Nice look at the other side. I wonder if the burger and fries are still good to eat? The man made things of the world can be so trivial compared to the nature around us.
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Oh, wow! Such impact in this poem, especially that closing line! With all of our stuff indeed our souls are starving.
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This is a beautifully written indictment of our current way of life.
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We’re still bargaining with things. But the end result is the same. (K)
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Clever structure to this Sarah, beautifully done! JIM
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By their dead things ye shall know them … what an indictment for our extinction. Smartly, sharply and poignantly put Sarah. – Brendan
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yikes. maybe more so now than at other times in history.
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‘vaccinate me please’? on twitter… King John III
http://kingjohnthethird.uk Joseph Gregory Hallett
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