"Untethered" Poem by Gary Bernard

"Untethered"

His steps felt light in the fresh morning air as he walked into the courtyard

The sun blinded eyes unused to the bright light from above

The air so exhilarating as it filled lungs gasping for life

The ground below pushed him upwards after each step

The crowd waited quietly until they saw him coming

Now their boisterous behaviour exploded in cheers

The walk up the stairs heavy and plodding

Once at the summit, he saw their depraved eyes glaring at him

A man of the cloth asked him to pray - he declined and lifted his chin in defiance

The noose now tightened - his life in the hands of the bureaucrat

The floor gave way - his body now free from this earth he detested

Swung silently except for the creaking noise of the rope against the wooden cross-like beam

© G.A. Bernard 2023