Life As a P.O.W.

[Pendragon]

Life As a P.O.W.

I’ve tried to talk to you every single day.
Got shouted down and beaten for my troubles.
I’ve offered to talk for you; let them know your demands.
You always say that no one listens to anything at all.
So you want my life—

You already know they won’t deal with this type of thing.
All you are gonna accomplish is making the world more angry.
There while I have your attention, see how the flies go to honey
But most avoid the spilled vinegar there on the table where you ate…
But you still want my life—

You want to talk to me; I have no choice in the matter at all so go ahead.
What did I mean about the flies and the honey and vinegar, the parable?
More people will listen to what you have to say if you sweeten your words.
They turn away and refuse to listen to a tongue that is sour of speech.
All you do is threaten my life—

I do not know what really is happening down in the camps today.
But I have been treated much better and the talks have resumed again.
I’ve been allowed to speak myself even though I remain blindfolded still.
But the Leader has promised something for helping him with negotiations—
It will be a quick death if they have to take my life—

Pendragon
© 1/11/08

[PrinceMyshkin]

I am constantly amazed at the breadth of your imagination! This is a glimpse into the sort of life most of us have been fortunate enough NOT to see,

[ampoule]

This is a wonderful poem, Pen. I think I was that prisoner.

[B-Mental]

Pendragon, Does POW refer to Prisoner of Wife? Sorry, couldn't resist. I love this one. Even the last line sounds better than what the character must be enduring.

[Pendragon]

I am simply profoundly glad that no one as yet has thought negative of the poem. I read many books written by ex-POWs and families of MIAs and POWs. The impact on my life was incredible, stories of men and women who survived against all odds through sometimes years of torture, both physical and mental but refused to break, would reason with captors but not betray their country. They survived by mental game, origami with gum wrappers, box codes, anything to occupy their mind. They were not afraid to die, they used it as a way to call attention to the fact that their captors, heavily armed and well fed, could kill them, hungry, unarmed, and getting weak anytime, so how brave was that? It didn't always work, sometimes it just got them shot. We need to honor such people of any race who have gone through the fire and stood it!

Pen

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l108/AbsalomKane/Newest/patrioticSmilies800x600.png

[dibyendra]

Your #5 message of this thread made me clear about your poem. This poem is powerful and have a strong message as well.

Two stanzas from this poem are really powerful:


You already know they won’t deal with this type of thing.
All you are gonna accomplish is making the world more angry.
There while I have your attention, see how the flies go to honey
But most avoid the spilled vinegar there on the table where you ate…
But you still want my life—

You want to talk to me; I have no choice in the matter at all so go ahead.
What did I mean about the flies and the honey and vinegar, the parable?
More people will listen to what you have to say if you sweeten your words.
They turn away and refuse to listen to a tongue that is sour of speech.
All you do is threaten my life—


Your poem really speaks the pain of those who were suppressed by the power. And yes, I would like to salute to those who had gone through severe torments and still resisted painfully.

[mechanic12]

Awesome poem Pendragon. Quite obvious it was written by a well experienced and imaginative person. Look forward to reading more of yours. M12