Once Beelzebul, Lord of the Earth,
Then Lord of the Flies;
How fallen!
Cursed for deity defiance
You had your kingdom yet
And received your tribute.
Famine, disease, decay
Were incense to your nose,
Burnt offerings to your maw.
Your minions buzzed, preened,
Feasted on feces,
Reproduced in rotting flesh.
* * *
Enlightened modern minds
Discount your importance,
Doubt your power.
But this morning as I vainly chased
Horseflies around my house,
I believed.
©2004 John I. Blair
