What Has Become of the King?

What happened to you? How did you get to this state?
You were once a mighty warrior, champion to the poor,
Champion to the underprivileged and the downtrodden.
But now, since you have ascended to the throne of power,
You have become indifferent to the cries of your people.
One look from you used to freeze the hearts of even the most ardent,
With the fear of what you could do; just one look!

What happened to you? How did you get to this state?
When you spoke, all would tremble, knowing that though few,
Your words carried the fact of your intent.
When your hand touched the hilt of your sword, all would scatter.
When you drew your sword,
Many would die before you even took a swing.
But now, you have become weak, and arrogant.
You look down on your people with disdain.

What happened to you? How did you get to this state?
You once dethroned a King!
Hounded him into retreat.
You spoke. He trembled.
His defeat was nigh the moment you looked in his direction.
He did not wish to face you.
He stepped aside.

What happened to you? How did you get to this state?
You have surrounded yourself with people,
People of the same mind and mentality you once hated.
You have stopped using your own eyes; they see for you.
Your voice has become silent; they speak for you.
Your sword is now useless – rusted and dulled.
Your sword is no longer respected.

What happened to you? How did you get to this state?
And who are these people around you?
Who puppets the king?
They laugh at you; you are only there to serve their purpose.
They don’t care about the people as you once did.
Even the people laugh at you now.
A court jester masquerading as a king.
A fool on the throne, you are now seen as.

What happened to you? How did you get to this state?
Even your generals plot against you.
Were they not greedy, you’d be dead by now.
Your headless body strung up on the city entrance.
Your head on a stake at the city gate.
The worms and maggots eating at your flesh.
The vultures picking at your bones.

What happened to you? How did you get to this state?
Your orations are almost non-existent. Drip. Drip. Drip.
When they do come, they are like the ramblings of a madman.
You are not regal anymore; no display of diplomacy.
What must other nations think of your land?
Shudder! The thought! Shudder.
What happened to you? How did you get to this state?