Ross DixPeek - Rwandan Elegy

Rwandan Elegy <br /> <br /> <br />The foul stench of burning flesh permeates the air, <br />Rotten, putrefying bodies lie in the baking sun, <br />Bright crimson death everywhere, <br />Frightened masses on the run <br /> <br />Wide-eyed terror on the prowl, <br />Africa rent asunder, <br />Can be seen Death’s scowl, <br />Sheer madness in Rwanda <br /> <br />Frenzied killing unabated, <br />A fevered orgy of blood, <br />Hate and bloodlust not sated, <br />A vile and incessant flood <br /> <br />Machete’s a-glint in the firelight, <br />Dark night knows no end, <br />Rampant death beneath stars bright, <br />The victims’ souls ascend <br /> <br />Sculpted in lifeless repose, <br />Torn bodies and silent screams, <br />The legion of dead in abject throes, <br />Naught can ever the killers redeem <br /> <br />And, where must be asked, was the World? <br />When they were needed the most, <br />Why were their actions not most bold? <br />Why was saving lives not topmost? <br /> <br />And today, the land lies sullied in shame, <br />The rabid killers remain unbowed, <br />The dark pall of hate still silently aflame, <br />And beyond, a menacing cloud <br /> <br />But perhaps, as if from the ashes of the dead, <br />Rwanda can rise once more, <br />To assuage the blood, terror and dread, <br />And embrace “Peace” forevermore!<br /><br />Ross DixPeek<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/rwandan-elegy/