Man Refusing Food

again linked to my work among peoplein prison

Man Refusing Food

i knew him

           man alone

leaving the cruel

air signed

with his cries...

slow

pained movement

to his closing

breath...

man refusing food

mortality

crucified

by predatory state...

it took a long time

they watched

all they did

was watch

him fade

into waiting shadows

i knew him

i remember

him now...

in winter where

snow gilds

skeletal branches

as a malignant

illness,

leaves

fallen, frail,

yes

i remember

his final

rage

then he

fled forbidding

prison walls,

darkness gathered him

in his frailty,

final freedom

in the waiting light

George Coombs

Author's Note

Please see description

Reviews

[Chris]

We want "control" of our selves and existence and will try to reclaim it anyway we can. We too often forget that life AND the world are NOT fair. Sometimes Karma does seem to exist. And that nothing is ever - free.

[George Coombs]

Thankyou Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Haunting, sad poem leaves me desolate. Starkly beautiful words, form, flow ....accounting of a man's taking final control of his tortured life. Personal, touching, deeply emotional..." "i knew him"- R.I.P. Well-penned.

[George Coombs]

Thankyou so much Annette, your kind review is so helpful and encouraging

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You are very welcome!