As many men sweat and groan
with heavy stones on ropes to pull
the pyramid grows and grows
like a small child growing up

The man in charge watches on
whip in his clenched fist
his dark eyes look over the work
his ears alert for rebellion

The pharaoh sits in his palace
unaware of the troubles of his slaves
drinking fine palm wine
from a large golden chalice

The sphinx lies on its plinth
like the king of beasts taking a rest
demanding respect from all
its large yellow form
casting spooky shadows on the sand
as the sun rises up over the horizon