The Auction Block

Yelling, shouting, auction cries.

But clearly their functioning optic belies

Their blindness to this tragedy,

The truth of which is travesty.

Humans on the auction block,

Playing their hands, casting their lots.

They're fools, they are, they think it's a stage.

They're bright-eyed and smiling, despite their daze.

Selling their hearts to bidders so bold;

Reciprocal heartache -- buyer and sold.

The Auctioneer knows these mortals' true worth

But makes sure to give the truth a wide berth.

He cleverly hides his red horns and hue

And starts off the auction "Fine slaves just for you!"

The bidding begins with an offer for fame.

Then there's money, attention, and lust just the same.

Each soul sold off to be sauntering serfs,

Fruitlessly forging itinerant turf.

Reckless in regard to others of their kind;

Oppressor and drudge both housed in one mind.

It isn't until they are burdened with strife

That they open their eyes and evaluate life.

Then they painfully see with rare and new vision

The cause of it all: spiritual fission.

To repressed memories they finally succumb.

The moment of truth belatedly come.

They see in remembrance the time before auction,

Bound in holding pens -- a demon's concoction.

Throughout the corral walked a kind-looking man

With harsh, vivid scars on his ankles and hands.

He stopped at each cell and presented his plea.

He begged them to unchain themselves and handed them a key.

Very few accepted, and they'd smiled as they left,

But most refused his offer, thinking they knew best.

The poor human fools had refused to believe

That this merciful man was their only release.

So the androids presented themselves to the crowd,

Abject prices cried out by The Dealer so loud.

Dissonance rose, but still could be heard

The prayer of the Kind Man, saying these words:

"Don't settle for this, you're worth so much more.

My bid is Life, it's too good to ignore."

Still he was scorned, but that's nothing new.

And the slave up for auction? That sinner is you.

Reviews

[R. L. Hill]

This was beautiful! Thank you so much for submitting it to my contest. You had me captured from the first stanza. Your unique perspective on suffering is what caused you to win in my book. Brilliantly written, dearest. 100/100 of course

[Sloane Holt]

Thank you! So often we think we're getting what we want when in reality we're simply inflicting unapparent damage on ourselves. It not only hurts us, but ends up scorning the ones that love us as well, causing them to suffer just as much.

[R. L. Hill]

Exactly, dear!

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

I'm not much of a religious man, but i enjoyed the way you conveyed your message here. It was artful, respectful, and well written from beginning to end. Excellent write.

[Sloane Holt]

Thank you, I appreciate it =)