76

Independent thoughts

drowned out

machine gun fire and

car bombs exploding

colorful sparks.

  A crimson flame

  igniting the soul.

Violent forces

that destroy tranquility.

A war for freedom

puts us in chains.

Slavery of the mind.

A forcefulness upon the spirit.

My name has been added

to the list.

Barbed wire dreams

that result in

split cells,

split atoms,

a clone of humanity.

Brainwashed and burdened,

a flock thrown into slaughter.

A whimper clinging to hope

echoing on mother’s flesh.

Upon the mountains

the rocks slide.

Upon the islands

the rain pours.

Upon the deserts

the sun blazes.

Always a fight,

a pursuit of unhappiness.

A pursuit of misery is

a pursuit of the unjust.

And I am to raise a glass

to an unforgiving land

that feeds on the blood

and tears of us all?