Atop

The pharaoh laid to rest high atop the pyramid
might not be that lonely for he takes alongside
a few slaves for company.

Those slaves who tried to kill themselves
but failed, would be chosen
as a sort of afterlife punishment.

There were no equals to him in life
But death was an emergency rite.
Slaves were bound to pedestals of the same height.

They would stare at the small door till
the last light escaped.

Ropes are found now
Around shrunk mummies of the slaves
Shrunk as if detaching themselves
from their life and death.