EMPEROR AKHBAR SEEKS ULTIMATE TRUTH
by Frank McMahon
In the red sandstone tower he takes his seat,
greets again the priests of different faiths. For months
he’s taken time away from the chores of ruling,
time to explore which faith has the lock on truth.
He’s heard their claims, unwavering assertions.
*
This morning he’s come with a novel question.
“Where does a river start?”
*
Where it bubbles from a spring.
No, from the aquifer below.
No, from the rains which fell.
No, from the clouds which brought the rain.
No, from the winds which brought the clouds.
No, from the vapour lifting from the sea.
No, from the river which feeds the sea.
*
He rises. “Send me a message when you have all agreed.”
He descends and walks towards his palace, knowing
it was wrong to build it here,
this site of desert winds and failing streams.
Somewhere Else Writers Group 