Saddam
I knew it was coming
Creeping slowly like
a reluctant tide
My last moment
Yet as I sit on the
edge of my bed
My legs gently swaying
carelessly , feeling the cold
iron of the hard bed now and then
I wonder
What the end would have been
Had the past or indeed I been different.
Not that I am afraid of the eventuality nor I am sad
Probably a little repentant.
And I have plenty reasons to be
As I sit alone ,
all these are coming flashing back.
I have hurt people, many people
And you
I know I did that knowingly
That was the pride and a show of power
I realise the hurt I caused.
What a fool I had been
I remember the day I first saw you
A lump of happiness
Throwing your arms
and legs in protest of existence
You cried ,we all smiled.
And when I held you in my arm, I felt something which I never felt before
Warmth, love unconditional
and happiness
I remember.
And then I betrayed you
I took away your happiness for my pride.
All quiet now in the cell
Even the prison guards are not talking
As I start towards
the destiny, my only thought is of you and God
A plea, an impossible
silent cry for forgiveness.
Then I felt the earth split below me
I descended for a while like a moth to a flame
Weightless
As I swayed like a twig in a gentle breeze with a little
twitch of protest
I saw you again
Smiling
I saw the world in your eyes
Full of love
A little doubt permeated me
Against all hopes I dared
Have you forgiven me my child?
And you God?
Abdul Bari