barrabus

once i was a child hungry beside my beaten mother
reaching out for a bit bread which was snatched away
a casual flick of the wrist caught my cheek and i cried
there was no malice no hatred only cruel indifference
then i was older my mother long gone lost in humanity
i wiser quicker slier with small hands and agile fingers
reaching and picking and lifting and hiding the bits
they fell into my hands and bread fell into my mouth
now a hard man beaten and the beater wary and bold
a sharp eye dulled by age and scars had betrayed me
paraded before the masses one among the miserable
unaware unknowing and only looking out for myself
i was set free and i wondered in bemusement and awe
at night i robbed a poor woman because i was hungry

jeg.

12/12/24