(Abu Simbel Temple)
The statues are awful, immense,
Brooding, brutal, overwhelming.
The hieroglyphics are occult,
Enigmatic, clearly profound.
Except,
When you get right down to it:
I smote the Nubians.
I smote the Assyrians.
I had many women.
I had many slaves.
I carved this in stone.
I was Ramses the Great.
Over the top of this, some
Nineteenth century vandal has carved:
I found this place.
I was here.