The Stones Lie Not

I am often intrigued by the little footnotes of history. I wrote this poem after I heard that the dynasties of ancient Egypt would recognize the worth of persons based on their contribution to the society. Black, brown, white; you were alright. Dwarfs featured among their achievers. I found it interesting that the great nation of the Pharaohs exercised diversity, and thought it instructive for modern times.

The stones lie not I tell you

It's there for all to see

Nubians were soldiers,

Workers, slaves and free

But Egypt’s greatest legends

Mixed both black and white

Racially they dwelt

In brownish mid twilight

To sit with sons of Kush

Wise Tut black carved cane

Then at paler faces North

A white mans art for Spain

Thus Egypt’s great dynasties

Long may the stones stand fast

Rewarded every citizen

For service and not caste

Pyramids of Giza

And Karnac’s great tall hall

Can educate a Caesar

And speakers of White Hall

For dwarf and the little

Held sway in Pharaohs court

The Nubian and the White could plan

And sculpt the stones of yore