Plaudits

As the blazing king from far eastern horizons Glows and smiles on wee infant toils beneath, He's by man's ever-sprawling greeting praised, Basking in vast kudos by eyes and bared teeth. The new sovereign savors every regal sign As he arcs past the virgin noon's latent line, Unwilling to pause despite cloud-born snags, Undeterred by jealous dusk's advancing tags. Against evening's envies moves that demigod, Still unshaken by all enemy barriers miles high. Into puffed twilight barricades he finally sinks, And once-lauding eyes dim as doom taps nigh. Like our gloom-deposed emperor here-above Is each offspring born of mortals' carnal love. Salutes of great joy hail them once they come, And rise beyond midday into life's ebbing term. When time's long-halted scythes finally strike, Men's veiled flattery's replaced by cold dislike.