Life After Death

The burial mask glimmered  
of gold, lapis, and feldspar   
for nothing was too great for  
the Valley of the Kings star 

The Egyptian pharaoh lay 
in his tomb of rich treasures  
jewels in the sarcophagus 
and artwork for his pleasures  

The afterlife would greet him  
as his day met its deadline  
but the journey would be long  
for Akhenaten’s bloodline 

The ruler would need protection  
for his passage from this life  
amulets were selected  
against thievery run rife 

The weighing of the heart test  
had to show a balanced scale    
to keep the heart connected  
to the body setting sail

Sustenance was also needed  
mummified meat wrapped in balms  
watermelon for hydration  
“Book of the Dead” for the psalms  

His death was unexpected    
the boy-king had not one heir   
thus burial was rushed by Ay     
his successor to the chair   

King Tut’s name was quickly stricken   
his monuments soon were seized   
the pyramid was plundered  
but afterlife was achieved  

The treasures buried with him
laid intact within his tomb
until a hunt came to fruition
and his chamber was exhumed

Carter found the untouched tomb
and unearthed the entire thing
bringing acclaim to the pharaoh
Tutankhamen, Egypt’s king