Kathy Abrahams

PRISONER

Blood-curdling shrills from demon bullets
flew overhead on a battle field of death
until I was captured by the eagle-like talons
of the enemy’s war machine.
Mask of soldier dropped below my navel.
Caged within the bowels of a grey four-walled
mock tomb of dehumanising indignity,
An unleashed tiger prances, roams deep
inside the pupil tunnel of my eyes,
Agitated… masquerading an aura of bravery
while drums of peril play within my ears.
Invisible tag of plaything hangs from my neck.
I am willing to rest my head on the merciless
gallows of human sacrifice.
My heartbeats I will surrender for the preservation
of the heartbeats of others.
At the stroke of a government pen I was made
bereft of the loving touch of family and friends.
Memories of home comforts now appear in
distant galaxy dreams.
Unshed tears are held back by steel bars
of stoicism.
A fire-ringed circle of emotional isolation
surrounds me day and night.
High price to pay for the love of one’s fellow
Man and country, safeguarding of ideals.

Published by FreeXpresSion Magazine – May 2005