Charles J. Ingerson

TETANUS

Barbed Wire
Photograph ©Copyright 2004 by Charles J. IngersonJust over there
freedom or death
who does care
one more breath.

Brutal the choice
given in life
sorrow or rejoice
peace amid strife.

Just a sliver
a small one felt
unnoticed shiver
to the body dealt.

Slowly then crawling
decaying within
something gnawing
razorblade thin.

Infection without
unwelcomed deep
freedom’s dying shout
a nation to weep.

Soft now the cries
ashes falling free
another so dies
as freedoms flee.