Draft 3

9/24/09

Sumerian Ziggurats

By Keaton

The oldest civilization is Sumer, which flourished between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The Sumerians were famous for the colossal temples they carefully constructed. These temples were called ziggurats. They do not have smooth sides like the Egyptian pyramids, instead, their sides ascended like stairs. The most magnificent ziggurat was in Ur. It had seven layers. As it descended each was larger than the one under it. It towered 160 feet high! At the top, a golden couch and table were placed just in case the moon god came to visit. Each ziggurat was dedicated to one of the many gods.

10/2/09

The Heroic Epic of Gilgamesh

By

Keaton

The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest recorded story we know of. It was written roughly 5,000 years ago on twelve hard-baked clay tablets. The tale begins in a Sumerian city named Urek where Gilgamesh is king. The story is full of villainous gods and fierce creatures. Gilgamesh is a corrupt king. Remarkably, Gilgamesh makes a friend and becomes kind. Sadly, a goddess sends sickness on his friend and kills him. Then Gilgamesh bravely departs on a quest for eternal life. In the end, Gilgamesh does not achieve immortality, but we still can read his heroic story today.

10/11/09

Great and Mighty Deeds

By

Keaton

Gilgamesh’s last quest was to find the way to live forever. Desperately he had searched for months over jagged mountainsides and barren desserts for the plant of life. He trudged to the rushing Euphrates river, tied rocks onto his ankles, and daringly dove in. As he was swept down the crashing current he saw the radiant glowing plant. He knew he had only one chance to pick it. When he drew near he reached out and pulled. The plant was firmly rooted but Gilgamesh did not let go. It loosened and he valiantly swam to the surface. He had succeeded!

On his way home, Gilgamesh discovered a glimmering pond and began to bathe. He placed the plant on a rock. Presently, he turned back, and watched a serpent slither toward the plant. Then, despairingly, Gilgamesh witnessed the serpent stretch out and devour his treasure. He dismayed and could do nothing. The plant was gone forever in the belly of the beast. Gilgamesh wept.

While Gilgamesh was wailing in despair a familiar voice echoed down to him. It was his friend Enkidu in the form of an eagle. Enkidu comforted him. Gilgamesh hopped on his back and they swiftly flew over Sumer. Joyfully Gilgamesh gazed upon the colossal temples, complex houses, and glorious gardens that he had created. Enkidu revealed to him, “This is your immortality, you will live in the hearts of our people forever. Because of your great and mighty deeds you will not be forgotten.”

Draft 3

9/19/09

The Flood

By

Keaton

Rain rushed down upon the earth’s ground.

Lightening streaked across the stormy sky.

Thunder crashed,

Wind bashed,

The earth splashed.

Mad men would mulishly mutter,

But Noah did not splutter.

Inside the Ark, Noah praised and prayed to God,

And his family was not dismayed.

When the rain fell and the earth flooded,

Noah’s eyes were amazed and he was saved.

For across the sky captivating colors made covenant.

Noah’s heart rejoiced.

The Storm raged, but Noah was saved.

September 4, 2009

Draft 4

The Ancient World

By Keaton

Mesopotamia, with two serpentine rushing rivers

And towering ziggurats

Egypt, with flourishing pharaohs

And paramount pyramids fashioned from stone

Israel, with God’s holy law

And the glorious temple of God

Babylon, with the ornate Ishtar Gate

And lush Hanging Gardens

Greece, with countless cunning gods

And astonishing athletes of the Olympics

Rome, with exalted emperors

And its amazing armies

The Ancient World,

Radiant Pyramids, Astonishing Olympians, and

Rome’s Abolishing Armies.