Ancient Persians conquered from the east
rode or walked along with men and beast
so fell in their path the city states of Greece
let Athens stand against her til it ceast
Mighty did the war elephant march to battle
tusk swords swayed with archers from the saddle
crushing power the soldiers under foot
destructive size made defensive shields to rattle
To help advance attack on enemy line
mahout would ply the trusting creature with wine
prod the gentle giant into rage
he held a hook to drive into its spine
After all the enemy was killed
the elephant knew not what side blood spilled
some would go on raging in the war
until their death in victory fulfilled
__________________________
dVerse prompt to write a rubaiyat
“the elephant knew not what side blood spilled” – poignant line, for a descriptive poem.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice description of that elephant with this line: “the elephant knew not what side blood spilled”
LikeLike
This has the feel of a saga.
LikeLike