sting of the whip almost too much to take
a raised hand and shouting a strong will to break

together, but lonely and slight solace share
a voice that can't speak or just doesn't dare

words that are jumbled, nonsensical sounds
language distorted, confusion abounds

rousted, surprised and led into night
pathway of bodies, those chose to fight

torches and shadows the devil is here
yelling, commotion, the thick taste of fear

A wooden behemoth the size of a village
glinty eyed demons have come here to pillage

this morning we sang as we walked with our son
your blood spilled to save him, thank God he could run

layed down like cordwood pressed flesh, so tight
rocking and swaying, perpetual night

accustomed to hell for two months at least
brothers, strong men, consumed by the beast

death for the lucky, thins out the horde
the faint but deep splash as they're thrown overboard

sing your prayers softly why are we forsaken
does he hear your pleas or say why you're taken?

There must be a reason, your god is great
why has he left you alone to this fate?

can't see the daylight how long must we lie?
what's after this place is that when we die?

a scream from the monster a shake to our core
what does that mean, 'get them ashore!'

the beast's belly opens gives freedom to flies
more poking and shouting the light hurts our eyes

weeks since we've stood so we lean on each other
my hand on your shoulder, together, my brother

From the tongue of the creature, we shuffle half dead
the metal much heavier our wrists, ankles red

'How many we lose', 'just seventy two'
'damn it! I guess these will just have to do.'

a sea of white heads all the same hair and eyes
wringing their hands at the sight of a prize

led to the front by a chain on the throat
each one is sold, like a pig, or a goat

'strong back on this one and look at this arm.'
'a wise investment, for plantation or farm.'

'he'll serve you just fine and caused us no trouble.'
'a workhorse like this, he ought to bring double.'

'Sold!' and the thunder of gavel on wood
Only 'we can' and never 'we should.'

A soul bought and paid for, despicable crime
injustice remembered the whole span of time

you're better than them though, that makes it alright
full belly, a smoke, you'll sleep well tonight.

souls bought and sold, not so much as a thought
too bad you can't fathom the damage you've wrought

The beast you created, the profit you'd boost
worthless to help you, hell comes home to roost.

Great poem my friend! I only bothered to read it because I know you
are one of the class acts here on ATS. thanks for sharing that. starred and flagged. Applause!!

Given all the talk of racism right now that was a much needed bit
of perspective too!

[edit on 17-9-2009 by Asktheanimals]

Absolutely Stunning Work my friend, this deserves an around of Applause!
Many stars and flags from me. I have often enoyed the work you do, just great stuff!

Very well written and thought out prose.
If it were in my power to applaud , I would.