Still It Haunts Me

I’ve roamed the parched sunbaked earth

felt the relentless sun beating down on me

thirsted with blistered lips and tongue

I’ve felt the sweat evaporate from my skin

wished for Visine to bathe my eyes

 

Watched helplessly as a child was wrapped in a sheet

while a grave was dug

thuds of metal on drought-hardened ground

small rough-edged wooden coffin nailed shut

lowered into a grave like a gaping mouth

 

These images disturbed my sleep all these years later

I hear those sounds, I see those images

I no longer thirst with a dry mouth

no warmth touches my skin in these dreams

night sweats cool me and quench me

 

In the chilly darkness I wonder

what has become of that place

how many more children have gone

lowered into dusty graves

under relentless unforgiving heat

 

Author's Note

My year in Angola was a profound eye-opener an experience marked by indescribable beauty and heartbreaking sadness.

Reviews

[MCS]

Thank you so much for your kind words, it's appreciated

[MsJewel]

A thought provoking and slightly chilling poem. I admire the depth and emotion of your poetry. One suggestion - make the font a little bit larger. It is a bit difficult to read.

:) Julie