Captive

by Ayanna

A man's feet trod this land.
Stepped regal as Pharaohs
in rhythm with earth's drums,
Robed in the spirits of princes past
as a mantle,
with footfalls soft
on the earth of his mother.

Night fell quick,
and deep and black.
Man walked silently
through the bush
leaving no trace in passing
dark concealing him from all
save one
who watched,
and waited,
and followed,
with evil intent in his eyes.

Then emptiness formed shapes
where nothing was before
and leering eyes
and grinning teeth flashed
like wraiths birthed
from treacherous womb.
The weight of the world crashed down
on his head
and this proud, black body crumpled.
The light of the moon
was snatched away.

Day dawned cruel
on a beach in Africa.
Sunlight glinted mockingly
Off chains that bound
Illuminating a great beast
Seated menacingly on the blue.
And as this King was dragged
Chains left furrows deep;
Last footsteps on his mother's land
As he was cast into the belly
Of the beast.

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