"I, The Great"

"Ever heard of the compassionate tyrant?"

Loved and praised 

By innate wisdom and passion

Yet loathed by skeptics.

The lust  - to behead his spirit, shatter the bones 

of the flesh that emanates the image of inspiration

To his beloved people

Causes him to be unyielding even more.

Not a prince, but a knight would seem to fit,

Or a general perhaps - 

Whose decree is to smash those relentless stinging ants

Destroying his very soil 

Throwing the bombs of terror upon its wake.

The desire to protect 

Touches the hearts of his fellow unknowingly.

A golden pearl wrestling against the tide,

Enduring the mockery with its great fortitude,

Courageous enough to crack the clam's shell .

That sense of purpose

Compelled to be driven,

To protect, to speak with conviction,

And to even act with compassion.

Though annihilation is a must

For the preservation of the land. 

Hatred and persecution will be the fruits.

Hence, his name will be remembered throughout the generations

As the compassionate tyrant, who tried his best 

To make a difference in the world.

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

L.C.Jarrette,
"I, The Great"
When an individual is in leadership it is a place of such vulnerability. Your poem showed how important having a strong foundation is, as well as strong companions to encourage and support.
I found your theme one of identiflying with those which push against the public tide and are ostracized because of their strong views and desire to lead well.
The saying came to my mind as I read; "You can't please all of the people all the time"
I enjoyed this one!
Blessings,
Kathy

[L.C. Jarrette]

You are absolutely right. You can't please everyone. I appreciate you reviewing my work. Thanks again...

[AcasualPawn]

Well i always feel affection towards tyranny, don't know is it because of reading to many xiaxia and wuxia novel.
I want to say something for this read which is also title of a novel..
EMPEROR DOMINATION

[L.C. Jarrette]

oh thanks for reading! SSR
:)

[Phill Oz O'fee]

"The best government is a benevolent tyranny tempered by an occasional assassination." - Voltaire
Great interpretation of a benevolent dictatorship - your poetic words could even be prophetic - if you consider today's world leaders - with a finger on the 'button'! :-)

[L.C. Jarrette]

wow! i've never read that quote by voltaire before. thank you for sharing sir, that was enlightening.
and thank you for reading...my heart is filled with gladness knowing that you, who is a great writer, read my work.

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Excellent...vindication with this write...you can hear the person as one goes about the lines...as if to be in the other's shoes and acting out the entirety of this verse...

[odium]

Beautiful. I can't say I've ever seen writing from the perspective of a tyrant, but this poem lead me the think of tyrants in a new light. Well done.

[L.C. Jarrette]

hehe...that's good to hear.thanks for reading!

[T.D. Minor]

Wow! Simply Wow! Great job!

[L.C. Jarrette]

oh, thank you sir...
:)

[Mr.Writer]

A powerful and engaging poem!
I like the mix of emotions, of love to protect his people, anger and hatred and sadness...
Well done L.C, keep it up!

[L.C. Jarrette]

thanks mr. writer...you're very supportive
i'll read more of your work as well...
:)

[Mr.Writer]

No problem L.C! :)

[Anna]

A golden pearl wrestling against the tide
that line itself wow! the imagery is incredible! I loved reading this piece! It was so intriguing and powerful

[L.C. Jarrette]

thank you very much anna..

[writ rajat]

Very nice to read passionately tyrant

[L.C. Jarrette]

thanks..i already sent your poem

[writ rajat]

Thanks yoy

[Zoya]

'Compassionate tyrant'...Mhm, a nice term. This is something new, which makes this piece unique in itself. You've penned it down in a really nice manner. The vocabulary is great, plus it's not too complex...easy to understand, which provides an extra edge to your poem.
"A golden pearl wrestling against the tide" - wonderful imagery here!
I enjoyed reading it. Keep writing!

[L.C. Jarrette]

i used the golden pearl there because it's a very rare kind of pearl found in the southeast. and rare is a man who breaks through conformity. that's why i chose the golden pearl.
thank you for reading!

[L.C. Jarrette]

i'm glad you've noticed that one. cause that's my favorite line

[Zoya]

Ohh, that's good to hear. You're most welcome!