My Hanging. My Death.
Through The Eyes Of Perry Smith.
I cannot see from within
My face cannot feel the growing breeze.
I slowly let go of my ailing grin
As the pain in my body begins to ease
~~
The men around me show no sorrow.
No tears for me were ever shed.
This is the way they wanted me to go,
Not caring if I ever bled.
I await for my turn with the noose,
Watching solemn faces go numb.
I long for my limbs to grow oh so loose
And for my heart to beat like a weakening drum.
They motion towards me as I walk up these steps.
Their eyes glued to my every move.
I stand stiff as they go through routines and reps.
I now know that I am sure to lose.
A black mask and icy cold hands touch my face and neck;
A foretelling rope resting against my spine.
They place me up onto the deathly deck.
And begin to take what is rightfully mine.
My numb ears hear them speak,
“May the Lord have mercy on your soul.”
A quick drop sends my body growing weak.
My feet dangling through a despairing hole.
The people around me gasp.
Some managed a small and silent scream.
Why they did this I cannot grasp,
But I am glad I can now end this awful dream.
~~
I now see a light from within.
My face is able to feel a comforting breeze.
I slowly begin to grin once again
As the pain I had just felt begins to ease.
(2012)
Inspired by Perry Smith's end in this world, this poem weaves its way through his mind as Perry steps up to the plate and has his life taken away from him.
