I. Troizen
The King Horse stands proud and white,
Looking over his hilltop domain.
They let him lead the way to his death.
He bows his head to the Father.
Be strong, young man, and do not cry:
The King must die.
II. Eleusis
The Queen knows him before he comes.
He is the new year to slay the old.
This sacrifice will bring new life
To the Mother’s harvest soil.
It is tradition older than lies:
The King must die.
III. Athens
It’s tribute-time once again—
Seven young women and seven
Young men away to Crete must sail.
Poseidon calls, the King must go.
Children fear and mothers wonder why:
The King must die.
IV. Crete
Cranes fly together to save their lives—
Learn to dance or meet your death.
Poseidon is angry, trident raised;
The sea gathers, the Labyrinth will fall.
Forgotten Labrys, it is time to fly:
The King must die.
V. Naxos
Festivities gone too far;
Leave the island and head for home.
Black sails remain, the Father says.
A guiding light brings us back.
But the sign had come from the sea’s sigh:
The King must die.
"The King Must Die" by Laura Bang! (c) 2000, please do not reproduce without permission.