Grudge

by. Benjamin P. Hawkins (Written: 05/15/2022)

I.

Am holding a grudge.

Against the jury, the witness,

The plaintiff and judge.

For besmirching my name.

And cursing my blood.

For living a life.

Free of burdens and chains.

That wrench and tighten

And pull me like reigns.

The cold iron nailed to the wall

 that strips my flesh.

Leaving rust in my wounds.

And dust in my jaw.

Vacant eyes of revenge.

Gaze to the floor.

Watching the rats.

Gnaw and climb upon

My skeletal form.

Tendon by tendon.

I rot away.

My arms cannot write.

As my muscles decay.

The chalk is long gone.

As the tally marks mock me.

At least with the roaches.

I won't be lonely.

In this wide open grave.

Befitted with bars.

I seek the sun.

I seek the stars.

I'd hold a grudge.

If I could.

But my mind is gone.

And my nails are wood.