The Land of Ombi

In the land of Ombi, by the Nile so grand

Lies a tale of a crocodile, mysterious and grand

For once a year, a maiden is offered in sacrifice

To honor the creature, so strong and so wise

 

The high priest selects the fairest of them all

And she prepares for her fate, standing proud and tall

Three months she spends in seclusion and prayer

Preparing for the day when she'll meet the crocodile's lair

 

On the day of the exhibition, the maidens compete

But only one will be chosen, while the others face defeat

The chosen one, with fear and anticipation in her heart

Is taken to the island, where the crocodile will play his part

 

As the beast wags his tail, and his jaws stir

The maiden meets her fate, with a shiver and a blur

A sacrifice to honor the creature so dear

In the land of Ombi, where traditions are clear

 

But as the poem ends with a scolding and a lament

The tale takes a twist, and the truth it may present

For the crocodile, so revered and praised

May not be the answer to the sacrifices raised

 

For in this land of traditions and old beliefs

Lies a truth that may bring about grief

For the crocodile, in all its might and awe

May not be as good and dear as they all saw

 

So let us ponder and question the tale

Of sacrifice and tradition, with a brave heart to prevail

For in the end, it's not the crocodile we should fear

But the customs and beliefs that may not be sincere. ("The Land of Ombi") by Courtney Weaver Jr.