KINGDOM PAST

Approaching the balcony of the castle, nestled
gently into the side of the highest hill in the
kingdom, the aging King took hold of his
long white hair and softly wiped tears from his eyes.
The valley below - once filled with children,
life, laughter, and a bounty of faithful subjects -
it’s empty now - being taken by thistles, thorns, and
undergrowth. Gazing through and beyond the valley,
the King recalled his days of great power - the
greatest and most powerful people of the vast
five hundred mile region. Time and the Kings
rule took an immense toll - no servants, no soldiers,
no attendants, and the last subject loading his
wagon bound for new beginnings. With the cool
gentle breeze streaming tears from his eyes,
the King reminisced his rule as to consider his
judgments to be good or bad. "Good must be the
answer, as I am King!". Standing on the balcony
banister high above the cobbled courtyard,
the King took final account of his Kingdom.
"A King with no subjects, is not a King at all!"

                                                                                        Barnum Taylor © 1997