another view of orula

dark bearded cigar-smoking god with drum
has wisdom and some sadness in his face
and listens while the toiling masses thrum

above a bird circles silent as if struck dumb
obeying the imperatives of his race
dark bearded cigar-smoking god with drum

the tree behind is filled with rush and hum
as if it now no longer knows its place
and listens while the toiling masses thrum

the clouds that mass on the horizon come
with rain and hope to occupy the space
dark bearded cigar-smoking god with drum

his gaze explores you seeming to find the sum
of all your hopes and your desires to trace
and listens while the toiling masses thrum

this is the probative moment when the plum
prizes are given it cannot erase
dark bearded cigar-smoking god with drum
and listens while the toiling masses thrum