the bell rings
with flexed muscles and a weapons-grade will
civilization takes its first tentative steps
into the ring of the fertile crescent

from willing loins a dynasty is founded
from the receding mists of disorder
an empire takes shape
palace, barracks and ziggurat
unholy trinity side by side

shields and spears
the disciplined phalanx
Saragon's claw

in the corner
the grovelling cut-man
and an arrogant theocracy
who claim supernatural authority

warrior kings extend their power
from Egypt to Ethiopia
from Zagros to the Taurus mountains
from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea
Sumer, champion of the world

but there is strife in paradise
Agga falls to Mesanepada
Mesanepada falls to Gilgamesh
who's self aggrandisement is epic
(the Muhammed Ali of the ancient world)

the best rounds are far behind
Mesilim, King of Kish rules internal decline
while on the borders enemies abound
moving in with ferocious intent

assault after punishing assault
the muscles become rubbery
the will loses direction

the bell has ceased to ring
now it's tolling
time and trouble crave their tribute

Ur falls to the Elamites
Ibbi-Sin's decadent luxury
exchanged for a damp and dreary cell

in the distance waiting to be born
a new champion
hungry for the title