Under Heaven

Under Heaven

 

Grand march of overture.

There is chaos under heaven.

The emperor is burdened with care.

Princess, longing.

Hero returns, then to depart

from misunderstanding

shadows descend

march is heard once more

furtive, faint.

 

Dynastic family arrayed along a dais

dab at lips with silken cloth.

Splendid, handsome, ruinous.

Hero with princess

hand-in-hand in gestures of song

escape to happiness.

 

Struggle for throne.

Dynastic murder.  Dynastic madness.

Emperor staggers onstage

bloodied, still with heaven's favor

to warn of awful fate

of all who withhold tribute.

In silence watchers exit.

Solemn before the majesty of art

they bow to emperor's will.