Inside the enclave,
Rock of roguery,
Empress revels in vanity.
She frolics about in splendour
And swims
In ocean of greed.
Vain daughters prattle on platitudes
As overzealous suitors,
Seekers of public offices,
Of patronages, lucre
Await opportunity to pounce,
To take brides,
Tickets to rulership home
In unholy union.
Loud laughter
From inner chamber reverberates,
Where taciturn Emperor
Reigns in tacit conspiracies.
Where rogues with cigars
Perched between lips
And cups
Of stupor inducing liquors
Clutched between crooked fingers
Juggle nation’s destiny.

By: Chidi Anthony Opara