In the Eyes of the Law
In the eyes of the law, he was black
As black as the ace of spades, not one of them
The dreams he carried to this land
Were stowed upon the sail ship here
Nigeria to Leeds with hope, new life
From hunger to plenty, to bias
The outcast judged by his skin
He faced the torment that broke him
When once he stepped out of line
To fight back, unleash his bridled fury
The coil released, he went too far
Now in the echoey white washed room confined
He’s choked by pills and electroshock
And when he goes, his soul is left behind
Crushed by the law, crushed by them all
At liberty to walk the streets, unfree
Now safe in the hands of police unjust
He’s paid with blows and ridicule
His beaten body prone and robbed of life
He’s found, claimed by the River Aire
A broken spirit gone, the dreams disbanded.
Copyright © Rose Johnson | Year Posted 2022
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.
Please
Login
to post a comment