Hands clamped tightly

Over my mouth

Stifling a cry of horror

As I stared helplessly

At the terrible sight

Before my eyes.

Countless slaves,

A burnished chocolate shade

Gleaming with sweat.

The looks

Of pain and sorrow.

The anguish and wretched suffering

Streaming down their faces

In sweat and tears

Mingling together.

The agonizing labor

Under the cruel whiplashes

Of harsh masters.

Their eyes

Holding a tormented look,

A look of ruined pride, despair

A pleading look.

Get us away from here,

Deliver us from the hands

Of our tormentors.

Come and rescue our people,

Free them from the misery

And grief

Of imprisonment,

Enslavement,

Captivity…

Caged birds,

Wishing beyond wishes,

Hoping beyond hopes,

That they will be set free.

They reach out,

Reach out towards me

Trembling hands,

Outstretched, to me,

Imploring, appealing,

Free us,

We have been bound,

Caged,

For so many years.

Bring an end to our pain

And rescue us.

My heart stained with their pleas,

I scream out

Stop

Stop it,

Leave them alone

Can’t you see how they suffer?

I call out again…

Then I am falling…

Falling through endless time and space

Falling, falling…

Until I return to the comfortable familiarity

Of my room.

I hold my head in my hands

Uncontrollable tears

Coming to my eyes

As I weep for them.