CONVERSATIONS

 

REMEMBERING ASURBANIPAL

Do you think he was a just ruler?

for his time

for his empire

for posterity

I asked 

as we floated

on clouds of all shapes

kingdoms

and chimeras

and loved ones

As emperors go

did he have better advisers

more books of learning

and

methods and means of destruction

no matter the race,

or colour

or creed

even when

he gained nil

for himself

and maybe less

for his progeny

with no names 

and stations 

but with large numbers

of concubines

female or male

and hunters, 

human and animal

Ahmet C. Celebiler

November 13, 2023