The Kings are passing deathward in the dark <br /> Of days that had been splendid where they went; <br />Their crowns are captive and their courts are stark <br /> Of purples that are ruinous, now, and rent. <br />For all that they have seen disastrous things: <br /> The shattered pomp, the split and shaken throne, <br />They cannot quite forget the way of Kings: <br /> Gravely they pass, majestic and alone. <br /> <br />With thunder on their brows, their faces set <br /> Toward the eternal night of restless shapes, <br />They walk in awful splendor, regal yet, <br /> Wearing their crimes like rich and kingly capes . . . <br />Curse them or taunt, they will not hear or see; <br /> The Kings are passing deathward: let them be.<br /><br />David Morton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-kings-are-passing-deathward/
