Witnessing the Fruits of Misfortune

Before we could object
or utter a self-saving word
Misfortune was upon us

Its malignant fingers raking through our reality
to plant Want deep in Hope’s erstwhile beds

You find us prisoners
Lined up in the darkness
Wishing for meats
Eating dry breads
And drowning in life’s dregs

Beyond us the peerage swagger by
Stuffed full of our piece of prosperity
Their appetites
Their rights
Boundless and assured

Appetites and rights we can dream of
Merely dream of at this time

But, hallelu yah!
Hallelu yah for these dreams –
Each helping us resist this cold, sterile gaol
Each forming a new testament to second births
Each filling our hungry souls like apples from Eden

Aye, dreams slacken these chains of misfortune,
which hold us captive to endure
the merciless strokes of Time

Few know, or seek to know the haunting details
that those forbidding outer walls frame
Or how the graceful inner arches betray

Only the candle that beams and warms our bones
remits anything resembling compassion

But you bear witness to our condition with this simple interaction

Seeing before you more than the historic shapes of steel and stone
Seeing the hearts of mortals pulsating bravely within the mire
Their fate blank, pending dispatch to distant other worlds

Still, it’s enough — This light, and your awareness
Shining like providence in the crux of our misfortune

You beam brightly beyond artistry, and onto its heart:
Liberty and the profoundly sacred business of equanimity
So, undoubtedly, you’ll recognize the fortune we missed
And with your study, other eyes and hands will also open

Inspired by Journey Photographic’s post of Oct.09, 2010 entitled: Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin III (image)

Link to image/post: Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin III.