Venice in the Desert (a poem)
(Odyssey of a Great King—Gilgamesh)


He was buried under the Euphrates,
In a tomb constructed when the waters
Of the ancient rivers parted, following his death.
One third human, two thirds demon
The one who said, “I am the king!”

Thus, this he boasted, under the Sumerian sun,
((he who sought out Dilmun) (Land of the Living))
For immortality, from a magic reef,
Only to have a serpent, steal it,
When he wasn’t looking…!

Warlike and domineering, he found
His mate and friend, Enkidu, whom when
He died, informed the living king,
Death had a real sting, a gloomy future:
This was awaited his death…part of his
Odyssey…!


1-23-2009 No: 2557