Notes About The Poem

Writing Challenge -J Words 

Sponsored by Constance La France

Contest Winner MedalFirst Place         

Part I The jailhouse can hold up to forty-thousand inmates!

PART II a new report which claims hundreds of prisoners were tortured and killed in jail after being caught up in the year-long security crackdown.

 

Judgement

How proud they put them on display
Two thousand of the first of fortyk
There President Bukele did say
They’ll live in the jailhouse for decades
he went on boasting, in jail it’s judgement day,
as he held his glass of brandy toasting
inmates, suspected violent gang members 
moved to a new mega-prison in El Salvador
Transferred to the Center of Confinement of Terrorism
Mixed up, unable to do any more harm 
to the population, it was said
So why do I care about these souls,
tears flowed as I read the article 
about thousands of prisoners, and Bukele in particular
Central American country’s notorious pandillas
And right then I understood why I cried
Hundreds never made it to round two, que pesadillas 
There are the innocent ones who are denied
a fair trial, it's sad to think that nothing can be done
for a mother's innocent son
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Beaufort Avatar
March 20, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Anaya, I too looked to see what she had posted and saw there’s nothing. I’ve not seen that before. It seems a bit odd. I thought your answer to her was totally appropriate. I find it prescient that you posted this well before it was common knowledge. The support of El Salvador’s current leader by the US goes back prior to D.T, but this is a new and unfortunate development. Thanks!!
Anaya Avatar
March 20, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Ty for verifying,.We must be aware on social media , I'm fighting a 2-front war here, one was a mistake but democracy i shall defend!. ;D
Beaufort Avatar
March 19, 2025 at 6:13 AM
Anaya, this is all pretty sad. The problem with this kind of justice is that it can sweep up innocent people who then have no recourse. The violence in El Salvador isn't pretty, but neither is the solution. Bukele appears to be very popular in El Salvador, but he's also an autocratic leader. I wonder how the situation with gangs came about? It appears that the gangs formed in the US among Salvadorans who came here after a civil war there, and the US deported the gang members back to El Salvador.
Anaya Avatar
March 20, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Laura below stated she is thankful for such a man as Bukele, she also notes that I have no idea of the atrocities, well Duke you and I know very well we know, we are political and journalists, and reporters here on the Soup. The funny thing is, it can be dangerous for us even here . My protocol is to comment back on the poets poems, to my surprise, she has none posted, I was astonished!
Beaufort Avatar
March 19, 2025 at 6:24 AM
There's more...With its Cold War mindset following the failures of the Vietnam War, the U.S. increased its support and training for El Salvador's security forces, which encouraged the annihilation of the political opposition and helped fuel recruitment for the opposing left-wing guerrilla armies. We could say we had a hand in all of this and our short sighted foreign policy had a lot to do with what's happening there. Asking questions doesn't lead to pretty answers. I doubt our current government will be able to provide long-term positive help considering what we're seeing now.
Bastid Avatar
September 15, 2023 at 11:53 AM
If only you could read about the endless atrocities these gang members used to carry out. Beyond what you can even imagine. As a Salvadoran who once lived in constant fear & horror, I was one of millions who was forced to immigrate out of my beloved country, thinking I'd never see it again. But Bukele made it possible for us to go back safely. After a year of living here, everyone we talk to is happy we have a president who put our country in order LAWFULLY, despite the US slandering him for it.
Anaya Avatar
November 9, 2023 at 2:58 PM
Yes, I'm so sorry for you, Laura. I do know. It the display of these prisoners, just seems wrong, to me. I hope your life is better, wishing you only the best for your life. Stay safe. Hugs
La France Avatar
July 21, 2023 at 9:53 AM
Anaya, powerful poem and congratulations on your win in my Writing Challenge J Words !
Anaya Avatar
July 26, 2023 at 2:06 PM
Thank you, Constance for the placement for your challenging A thru Z Words Contests-Everyone looks forward to them!
Andresen Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 12:29 PM
- Yes, a powerful poem indeed ... almost like i regretted reading it... painfully, Anaya :( - Congratulations on your win :) - hugs
Anaya Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 12:46 PM
I heard Nordic countries welcome Sweden's NATO progress!
Anaya Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 12:43 PM
The NGO Non-Gov Org confirmed fatalities as violent deaths. 75 cases, bodies of the victims showed signs of torture, beatings or strangulation. Others showed signs of injuries “undetermined” or “natural” causes meaning violent deaths could be higher. It's corruption. Sorry about that, Anne-Lise. Thank you, for your support and visit! xhugsx
Alex Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 2:54 AM
"it's sad to think that nothing can be done for a mother's innocent son" - Indeed, this is the saddest part of the judgment. Beautifully reflected and well-written. Congratulations!
Anaya Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 8:29 AM
Thank you, Christuraj! Thanks so much for you visit.
Volumes Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 12:20 AM
These are the countries that could put pressure on and force change. Exporter Trade (US$ Mil) Partner ....................United States ..........$2,648 ............25.84% .............................China ...........$1,470 .........14.35% ......................Guatemala ...........$1,212 ..........11.83% ..........................Mexico ............$ 940 ...... 9.17% ........................Honduras ............$ 667 ...... 6.51%
Anaya Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 12:45 PM
I'm glad to showcase this information, thank you, S.V. you show how much you know and care. Good for you
Anaya Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 8:28 AM
The rights group said it had obtained photographs and mortuary reports showing bodies with signs of “asphyxiation, [bone] fractures, significant bruising, lacerations and even perforations”. Some appeared to have died of malnutrition. Nearly half of the victims were men aged between 18 and 38. The NGO claimed some prisoners had been tortured with electric shocks.
Volumes Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 12:11 AM
An important expose Anaya. Atrocities such as this should be brought out in the open as much as possible. Trade embargoes to such countries should be imposed by peace loving countries that deal with them. To much goes unpublished. Too much horror in the world today. You poem speaks volumes .Well Done A fave.
Anaya Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 8:26 AM
Thank you, SV's! In todays social media hate wars, anyone innocent can end up in this sort of system, by slandering etc. we must control our hatred. Thank you for the fave, friend.
Seeker Avatar
July 10, 2023 at 10:04 PM
Powerful, sorrowful. A fav. Thanks for sharing. Warmest congratulations on your win, Anaya ~ God bless
Anaya Avatar
July 11, 2023 at 8:32 AM
Thank you, US! God bless
Baker Avatar
July 8, 2023 at 4:42 PM
Well said Anaya, it is indeed a tragedy when there is no fair rule of law. It hurts my soul, my friend. Thanks for sharing your meaningful thoughts with us through your mindful poetry. Write On! Bill
Anaya Avatar
July 9, 2023 at 6:04 PM
These are boastings of leader's who must make decisions to save themselves, for they are corrupted themselves. I will recommend the movie "The Inmate" dubbed but bearable, you will learn something, Bill thanks for your friendship--friends forever! Tell Sarah hi :D
Goldsmith Avatar
July 8, 2023 at 2:28 PM
A powerful write/picture. Have a blessed weekend...............
Anaya Avatar
July 8, 2023 at 3:24 PM
Thank you, Paula!
Buhagiar Avatar
July 7, 2023 at 8:41 PM
Man judges with his own personal agenda....or go scot-free despite evidence that should condemn him. A profound poem, Anaya.
Anaya Avatar
July 8, 2023 at 9:35 AM
So much corruption Victor, it's heartbreaking and just doesn't seem right that they are put on display like cattle. Thank you!
Roper Avatar
July 7, 2023 at 8:21 PM
Heartbreaking write.. well done.
Anaya Avatar
July 8, 2023 at 9:32 AM
Thank you, Eve! So much corruption, I don't know what to believe, and it breaks my heart. Btw Eve, I want to thank you for your generosity of including me in your book, congratulations and much success to you. I will be purchasing a book today and am so excited! :)
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