Nothing to Say

Soldiers pass by our window

Another child taken;

Forced to serve in a war

Not their own.

I say nothing.

Today

It is my turn.

My mother cries

My father shouts

I say nothing.

They hand me a gun

A grenade

A knife.

I grip them with shaking

Nine year old hands.

I say nothing.

My first kill

Blood and pain

Creeping over, I see

Hands gripping an old, worn

Photo.

A family.

Like my own.

I say nothing.

The beatings increase

As days pass on.

Blows rained down

Sneering voices

Jeering shouts

"Nothing to say?"

I say nothing.

I don't know

How long it has been

Since I was taken.

Faces escaped from memory;

What is a mother?

Who is my father?

My face is neutral

But a tear manages to

Fall.

I say nothing.

Three others died today

We left their bodies behind.

Dead

Cold

Alone

But free.

I say nothing.

Pain spreads through my chest

Another bullet pierces my thigh.

Sounds echoed around my head

I collapse.

Fading into darkness

Peace

Freedom

I say nothing.

Verloren Fortuin

11.6.2012