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Poem: “An Ancient Kingdom”

by on Mar 18, 2011 in Poetry
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An Ancient Kingdom

Along the shore of Honshu
I saw six mounds
Where ancient kings were buried

They are taboo
And long established custom has it
No one may delve or enter

Centuries ago
A wave rose from the sea
And drowned their kingdom

Now, on autumn nights
The lights of their processions
Flicker on the summits of the graves

The ancients have awoken
Their solemn festivals and rites
Illuminated

Lit with spirit light
Honored with the fanfare
Of the crashing of the sea

Six kings
Of the cursed kingdom
Of Fukushima

Who buried them?
It was their fearful subjects
Who buried them alive

Pavel
March 18, 2011


Pavel Chichikov is a Washington DC-based poet and photographer. He has written for both the secular and the Catholic press on issues as diverse as Russian nuclear weapons systems, Olympic athletes, and miracles. His books include From Here to Babylon: Poems by Pavel Chichikov,  Lion Sun: Poems by Pavel Chichikov, Mysteries and Stations in the Manner of Ignatius, and Animal Kingdom. Pavel may be heard reading his works on catholicradiointernational.com and on pavelreads.com. His poetry regularly appears on "The Poetry of Pavel Chichikov."