Fourteen lines of Breath

Our breath, like startled swallows, flutters away.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Laughter peeled toward me, a dizzying, bubbling sound.

Youth burst in innocence making the dark skies wash clear,

Yet my joy was crushed to asphalt, as I was pressed upon the ground.

My life’s storm, tattered with disrespect, swelled in a single tear

Oh, to run in flowers, melt in sun rays, and swim to feel free,

I wanted to caress you, touch lips, for your love to fully drink.

Now it grew distant and faded, as I lay under bended knee,

My mind swirls, temples bursting as in darkness I begin to sink.

Where travels my hope? So distant are smiles, like swallows flown away.

I reach for the light, beg to change, yearn to bring a new truth,

But the crush is enormous, never ending, the heavens hear not what I say.

I lay crippled, degraded and disposable, as the oppressor’s proof.

Now floating, I see lost souls, pained heats set to grieve

I only plead for one thing, the chance to breathe.