Mongolian Eulogy

Mongolian Eulogy

Remember, Chingis*, the dry plains,
reflecting ever empty skies,
resounding with bow’s sweet rebound.
Reviled, we rode relentlessly.

With the hawk’s swift and savage swoop,
Witness the horde’s descending dash,
Wingéd our hirsute horses’ hooves,
Wringing tribute from trembling towns.

Then recall how mighty we were,
Thereby all foes your standard raised.
Therefore they knelt to sing praise to
Their lord and conqueror, Chingis.

Death claims you now, face to the sky**,
Deserving of eternal rest,
Deserted of all earthly cares,
Divine wings bear you to heaven.



Traditional Mongolian Meter
Four quatrains, each line head rhymed, alliteration used
8 syllables per line

*Chingis is the Mongolian form of Genghis
**A reference to the Mongolian tradition of sky burial