He was monstrous
Tall, strong and powerful
He loomed over all that surrounded his feet
And devoured whatever he would

His plodding footsteps shook all the land
Those weaker than him quivered and ducked in the shadows
As he clutched the hapless children from the light
With his dull and gritty claws.

He wore a faded headband over his sweaty brow,
Red and white stripes snaking in the winds
And branded upon his heavy shoulder
Was the seal of the eagle and the scroll

And one day
While he burned the bodies of his enemies
He was struck down by the flaming arrows of the Orient
And his ashes rained down upon the Earth.

And through the grey remains
Did green buds break
And crawl toward the Sun