I lowered my eyes from heavens’ rafters
as a walled city entered my view
Black flags on its ramparts—
these flags were new
I.
Afoot and gaining sight of a city, full of light Under a new moon hiding in the sky, I wander A smile on my lips as always on these trips The stars all glitter for me, The shackles bind my wrists, but I hold within my fist the key, a gift, given to me These are not chains across my back This is no collar 'round my neck, but a necklace and a strap, holding a lute in a leather sack
II. Nigredo
Prodded onward by masked captors, I lowered my eyes from heavens’ rafters as a walled city entered my view Black flags on its ramparts— these flags were new As I approached them, the city’s lights grew dimmer, they fell to a glimmer as awareness flickered
Mournful shouts and tortured cries escaped those walls Fatigue washed through as hunger soared Rope-burned, chafed—small pains, ignored Slitted lids heavy, my muscles quivered Rent frock and red-ripe flesh, delivered Emptiness flooded my thoughts… Coming to as I smashed to the ground which boiled and rumbled— Temblors from the tears Of the beaten and crumbled— I’d arrived at the center of a broken city My escorts raised me again only to throw me down
but a smile snuck ‘round my lips, The stars glittered for me The shackles bound my wrists, but still, within my fists— the key A gift, given to me...
Fellow captives were brought before me
Ashen-faced, enchained, encumbered
Resigned to their fate, they numbered
in the hundreds, unaware
they might soon be free
“Victims of despair! Fear not!” I cried aloud
The torrent of strikes and blows
could have made a gladiator proud
The leader of the town, the Judge,
then sauntered close, and with his hard boot
gave tender ribs a rough nudge
Jolted alert and fighting confusion
I felt a great pain of overlapping bruises,
welts, and swelling contusions
Metal gloves 'round my chin lifted my head
The Judge of the city
above me loomed.
“You shall be punished for your crimes,”
He boomed.
“Justice must be meted out.
Now lead the way,
Accused!"
“You will now be taken to a new domain,
where there is no law but the law of such
who forever, there, remain."
...
Well done narrative!
I enjoy the hidden gem of hope lurking in this. On to part 2!