I apologise for this. My mum wanted me to put it on. I wrote it years ago at the tender age of 12 so forgive me. We were doing slaves in history and I don't know why but I ended up writing this poem. I haven't changed it from the original and I can't stop cringing and laughing at one or two parts. Please be gentle. I was but a child.

Slave Song

Terror flows through the village as it is attacked

Families hold each other and try to escape.

They are tied together in long lines.

Look in their eyes as they sing their song of slaves.

A song of horror and pain.

White men argue over the slaves' price

The slaves are unable to decide their own future.

The white men don't stop until they are both happy over a price.

Look in their eyes as they sing their song of slaves.

A song of fear and hate.

When a slave was not chosen their head was chopped off

And they were thrown away like rubbish.

They were the lucky ones.

The chosen ones are kept in cramped conditions under the ships deck

Where there are no toilets or cleaning facilities.

Look in their eyes as they sing their song of slaves.

A song of death and prayer.

The slaves were held down tight

And the hot iron burns so harsh as they are branded.

Marked like possessions showing who owns them.

Look in their eyes as they sing their song of slaves.

A song of hurt and dread.

Many slaves died of flue and those who wouldn't eat

Had an old metal thing forced in their mouths.

When it was twisted the mouth was forced open by two metal bars

And food was forced in there.

Look in their eyes as they sing their song of slaves.

A song of sadness and sickness.

Sometimes the slaves would break free and attack the white men.

Some slaves would end their lives by jumping off the ship

And drowning themselves.

Look in their eyes as they sing their song of slaves.

A song of revenge and terror.

Punishments were harsh.

The thumbscrews crushed the brittle bones of the sick people.

The whipping brought horrid screams as it tore the flesh on people.

Finally on land the slaves were put in a fenced off area

And then people ran in chained and held the ones they wanted

Like animals as they are split apart from their loved ones.

Look in their eyes as they sing their song of slaves.

Songs of horror and pain, sickness and sadness.

Songs of the future and wishes of hope.