The Execution Poem by Jeff Hobbs

I journeyed deep, deep, deep,
along the twisted path of ivy,
where life's juices seep.
Each turn unveiled surprise,
Each flash of darkness
burnt into my eyes.
With each step forward,
the muscular strands against my face
ripped and clawed.
My own blood seeped out
And mixed with the dew
Which left a drought.
The moisture without drink
stung my throat
and caused me to sink.
Sounds from outside the forest
magnified and dispersed.
Each wave seemed to infest.
Messages from every limb
passed by like lightning.
Each shock seemed so dim.
The activity increased,
I detected worry.
Each note roared like a beast.
A final mass of colour
surrounded and moved in
but it all appeared duller.
Then a hollow was left like a crater,
The fores rose and was displayed:
'Behold, the head of a traitor! '

(19 September,1980)