I was 20 when father left me his crown

his reign without splendor or glory

I wanted supremacy.

if one god gave mediocrity then 100 gods will grant me glory

I made metal images for Baal.

nothing changed. So the gods need more? I will do more

I burnt my sons in the Valley of the Son

their screams exchanged for my legacy

I built worship in every hill and high place

kneeling under every tree.

I am the inclusive adorer,

omnipresent Son of Man

I snickered at the Edomites and Philistines who attacked-

if my gods are for me, who could be against?

I shook with anger when the Edomites prevailed

I needed more political prowess

I scavenged the house of the “Lord”

my tribute I endowed to Tiglath-pileser

I stood dumbstruck when my admiration begot Assyrian affliction

I lost 200,000 to Samaris, 120,000 dead by Pekah

my court murdered by Zichri of Ephraim

I gaped as the Syrians raided, defeated, and captured my subjects

I forgot to appease their god.

I rushed to the temple of my father’s “lord” chopping its vessels into pieces

I scrambled sacrifice to the Syrians, pleading to the gods of Damascus

I aborted the “lord’s” house of worship

I locked their obsolete doors

I was 36 when I died in disgrace, my skull is not found in the tomb of kings

In my whoredom I chose my legacy.

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