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Who and what is worthy of memory?
NINE DEAD WORTHIES, NOW WORTH ANY LESS?
According to medieval legend, the Nine Worthies, or supreme
heroes of history included three Jews ( Joshua, David, and Judas
Maccabeus), three pagans (Hector, Alexander, Julius Caesar),
and three Christians (Arthur, Charlemagne, Godfrey of Bouillon).
“Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, Jericho, Jericho, Joshua fought
the battle of Jericho and the walls came tumbling down.”
Little David slew Goliath , played his harp and wore a wise crown.
Judas Maccabee defeated the Maccabees, restored the temple for
Jewish worship, Hannukah celebrating that is celebrated to this day.
Hector was the chief warrior of Greek Troy, killed by Achilles,
as King Priam’s and Queen Hecuba’s son he was their pride and joy.
Alexander led armies and conquered the known Western world.
Julius Caesar formed armies with swords and shields, spears hurled.
King Arthur of Camelot organized the Knights of the Round Table.
Charlemagne ruled France, Charles the Magnificent according to fable.
Godfrey of Bouillon I never heard of and didn’t look him up.
Instead I’ll have hot bouillon on a cold winter’s day in a cup.
TWO MODERN WORTHIES NOW
WORTH LESS OR WORTHLESS
I have done one far braver thing
than all the Nine Worthies ever tried
all know me as the King of Bling
my base believes that I never lied
so now I can lie and will utter this
others believe in me no more
new lies to tell my goal always is
to lie like hell as I often did before
but she whose loveliness I control
stumbled and now the media loathes
she showed a thoughtless kind of soul
pop philosophy drawn on her clothes
she does as I say and follows as I do
her attire on her jacket for all to see
the lying media saw and filmed it too
and saw the hypocrisy of her and me
but I have done a far braver thing
than all the Nine Worthies ever did
even though indicted helpers sing
I keep my sex secrets and taxes hid.
