WE STOOD IN LINE

We stood in line

Hand chained to hearts

Our future tied to thumbs

Or so we thought

We bore the sun

We endured the rain

We braved bitter cold

Pulling tattered clothes closer

Vainly fighting elements

We stood in line

Patiently waiting

Beneath scraggy mangoes

For box welders coming

Swearing to let go not

If it is our mandate to steal

We braved bloody machetes

Steeling our pounding hearts

Against boos of gunshots

Vowing to sweat blood

For tomorrows touch hold

We stood in line

Awaiting the hangman's noose

Sunrise becoming sunset

Across untouchable beauty

Of land constantly raped

Time passed in sheol

The crow came home to rost

Box wielders!!!

Screamed children in joyful chorus

They too know the hangman's burden

They too wish it lifted

It all elapsed too soon

But we went home relieved

Rubbing stained thumbs with pride

Our walk a half waltz

But, we celebrated too soon

We stood in line

But the birds said in vain

The radio echoed it too

We defended our mandate

But others couldn't

Or died while we lived

We stood in line

To what end?

Our thumbprint tried

But this time like always

Made no difference

They still rigged the election