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The Fusillading of a Freedom Fighter

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About three weeks ago, I woke up one morning with a memory of a dream on the edges of my counsciousness. I wrote the dream down in the outline of a poem while getting ready for work. Until today, I had put it on the back burner.

For some reason, I feel like this story needed to be told.

 

 

 

Such an ironic plight in blinding light of day, his appreciation, the cruel blindfold o’er eyes, after his dark time served in dank cell of dismay, taken out at dawn, a bright morn for his demise. Rough restrict of ropes constrict, last embrace he’ll feel, as he’s tied tight, upright, the execution post. For his people, freedom from oppression he’d steal, heartbeats, time ticks down, he thinks of those he loves most. TICK - TOCK - TICK… he wonders if thundering heart's heard and curses his body for betraying his fear. A grim line set taut in the stubble of his beard, hailed a hero, fetor of human fright fills the air. Tick - tock - tick - trussing death pole lends his back support, tremulous dread at life’s end - defiance steady, as the commander begins with the last resort and raises the rifles, brisk command of; “READY”... Tick - tock - tears and angst co-mingle behind grimed gauze. “You can kill this roused rebel, but there’s more the same!” “Freedom fighters! We're willing to die for the cause!” With rifles at the ready, a clear retort; “AIM”... His yell; “You can all go to HELL! You cannot quell”... rebellious heart afire flaring down to the wire, “this revolution tolls your knell for it will swell!” TICK - quick as a whip’s lash, the booming command: “FIRE!!” Susan Ashley 11/20/17 **execution by firing squad, in the past sometimes called fusillading (from the French fusil, rifle)**

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017




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Date: 1/18/2018 12:54:00 AM
I am just now seeing your response to my comment on this one. It's so fascinating to me when folks "feel" they have been in another life. I would love to know that feeling!! thanks for your recent visit to my poem. I am way behind and can't seem to find a poem of yours to read. I keep clicking on ones I have seen. Maybe you will have a new one for me soon!!!
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Susan Ashley
Date: 1/18/2018 8:13:00 PM
Hi Andrea, thank you for stopping by again, your visits are always such a delight, and you're welcome for my comments on your beautiful poems my friend. Soupmail!
Date: 12/5/2017 6:03:00 AM
Rhyme in the main Road and rhyme in the lanes and bye lanes ... This itself is a joyous reading ... In addition the captivating story ... wonderful, Susan ...
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Susan Ashley
Date: 12/5/2017 4:14:00 PM
Probir, everywhere a rhyme.. I am delighted to read your words, so poetically and eloquently stated, of lovely appreciation for my poem. It pleases me immensely that you enjoyed this write. Thank you for your wonderful visit and your beautiful comment my friend.. ~Susan
Date: 11/28/2017 6:48:00 PM
Susan, I wonder if you were experiencing a past life. If the dream repeats. That is so odd!! But wow, what an amazing poem REally really good work!!
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/28/2017 8:43:00 PM
Thank you Andrea for your beautiful comment. Yes, I've wondered the same thing. I did have the feeling, in my dream, that this happened long ago (1850's- 1920's) and I was neither victim nor participant but rather an observer...weird..? lol! Your visit is well appreciated my friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Date: 11/26/2017 8:06:00 AM
Excellent poem Susan, great theme, flow and rhyme, really enjoyed reading this well written piece. :))
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/27/2017 5:36:00 PM
Roy, thank you for your awesome comment, I'm so happy you enjoyed it.. Your wonderful words of encouragement inspire me to reach new heights my friend.. with appreciation ~Susan
Date: 11/24/2017 3:23:00 PM
Great poem with a sad story. :)
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/24/2017 7:10:00 PM
Thank you Bjorn, for your wonderful visit and lovely comment. Have a lovely weekend my friend.. ~Susan
Date: 11/24/2017 12:37:00 PM
Susan, you have a way of pulling me in ....and then kicking my poetic butt! Most excellent writing..... in my admiration!
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/24/2017 7:16:00 PM
lol! Thank you Chuck.. I'm so glad you enjoyed my poem! :) Your kind visit and awesome comment are received with appreciation and a smile.. ~Susan
Date: 11/24/2017 2:16:00 AM
This must have been some dream my dear Susan, It upsets me every time I hear of such things. I cringe at the barbarism of these unnecessary acts wasting life. Ah well but one can't kill a life - only the host of the spirit. Your story kept me riveted. I empathized with what must go through the condemned man's mind and the fetor of fright as victims in this situation must have no matter of their bravado. Your internal rhyme kept the tempo and meter of the overall under current to reach a crescendo then rifle crack and silence. Maria xxx
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/24/2017 8:01:00 PM
Maria, thank you so much for sharing your precious thoughts with me. I'm happy that my write connected us in empathy for the horror of what people must go through in these situations.. Thank you for your wonderful comment, your insightful words were received with an appreciative heart.. Warmest wishes dear friend! ~Susan
Date: 11/23/2017 10:55:00 PM
I agree with every comment below. Pardon the pun, but the entire poem was well-executed with emotions volleying back and forth. But, now I have to look up "fusillading" - I admit I haven't a clue. It also occurred to me that you dreamed in 3rd person? I don't recall ever doing that. Strong drama, easy to imagine this handling a longer write, not because longer is needed, but because there is so much intensity. Hugs ... CayCay (oh, I just saw the definition you provided! - now, I'm learned)
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/24/2017 7:50:00 PM
I so appreciate your wonderfully free flowing comments dear CayCay. I'm happy you enjoyed the drama of my poem. Your gracious thoughts are always accepted with gratitude and a smile. Thank you for your lovely presence that graces my poetry page.. Hugs to you my friend!.. ~Susan
Date: 11/22/2017 1:26:00 PM
Susan, wow, I was taken up in your story and I wanted him to be somehow saved, what incredible writing !
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/23/2017 10:47:00 AM
Broken Wings, I'm thrilled that you were caught up in my write. To know that I captured your imagination is on of the best compliments my writing could have. Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts with me. Your visit and lovely comment is so appreciated.. ~Susan
Date: 11/22/2017 12:13:00 PM
Powerful, suspenseful poetry, Susan! Your ticking countdown (like a bomb set to detonate or perhaps to self-destruct ) is a very taut, riveting poetic device. Great poem that has the reader on the edge of their seat til the end. Love and happy holidays, dear.
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/22/2017 8:46:00 PM
Freddie, your wonderful thoughts are received with much appreciation. Thank you for your enthusiastic comment, your encouraging words mean so much to me. Hugs and happy holidays to you, friend!
Date: 11/22/2017 11:36:00 AM
This is so powerful and I love how you made such a story of a few moments.. I can see it happening in front of my eyes :( :) So many unsung heroes!
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/22/2017 8:40:00 PM
Sneha, thank you so much for sharing your lovely thoughts with me. I'm so happy you enjoyed my poem! Your kind visit and your beautiful comment is received with gratitude and a smile.. My warmest wishes to you.. ~Susan
Date: 11/22/2017 2:16:00 AM
Awesome write, Susan. A powerful story wrapped up eloquently. Great alliteration and effective internal rhymes raise this to lofty heights. All the best, John.
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/22/2017 7:53:00 PM
John, thank you for your generous and glowing comment. Your heartwarming words are so encouraging and are so appreciated. Your visits are always welcomed my friend! Warmest wishes ~Susan
Date: 11/21/2017 1:42:00 PM
Even heroes fear death, Susan, but it does not stop them from fighting for their cause. I like the imagery, the build up, and how you expressed the idea of time ticking by, right up till the last command. ~ Warm regards // paul
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/21/2017 4:37:00 PM
Paul, I relish your insightful thoughts that you share with me. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed my poem, I've never written anything like this before, so I wasn't sure how it would be received.. Thank you, my friend, for your wonderfully encouraging comment, your presence here is always enjoyable! Warmest wishes ~Susan
Date: 11/21/2017 11:47:00 AM
An excellent and dramatic write Susan, much enjoyed :)
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/21/2017 3:34:00 PM
Gary, thank you for your wonderful visit and awesome comment. Your kindness is so appreciated! ~Susan
Date: 11/21/2017 7:46:00 AM
I actually thought this was for my contest, it would be a great one.. but too late now, lol.. Now this is excellent, how one person's freedom fighter is a hero and a terrorist to the other.. the thing is they dont fear death.. you can kill one, but you can't kill the ideology.. Enjoyed your poem Susan...
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/21/2017 8:31:00 AM
Silent One, I wasn't sure, when I posted this last night, if this poem would fit the parameters for your contest so I didn't enter it :( ... but I felt a need to write this story, for whatever reason, due to a dream I had several weeks ago.. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed my write and I thank you for sharing your precious thoughts with me. Thank you for your beautiful comment and presence on my poetry page.. Warmest wishes always my friend. ~Susan
Date: 11/21/2017 7:30:00 AM
You depicted this theme well Susan--every word kept my attention--well written as always--kudos for this original, creative poem Susan!
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/21/2017 8:52:00 AM
Vijay, thank you for your wonderful sentiments, they are greatly appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed my poem and your lovely comment and visit is received with a gracious heart. Warmest wishes to you always ~Susan
Date: 11/21/2017 7:21:00 AM
Good morning Susan...What you wrote about is still happening today...Curious how this (dream) past through your mind...Nevertheless, you described it first hand... A great day to you...with lots of hugs...
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/21/2017 8:59:00 AM
My dear friend Arturo, it is strange how this idea came to me, but it did, and it stayed with me, vividly, until I wrote this poem yesterday.. I felt like the time was right. Thank you Arturo for your wonderful words of kindness and insight. I truly appreciate you and your friendship. A great day with lots of hugs to you as well mon ami!
Date: 11/21/2017 6:24:00 AM
Wow, Susan, I could feel the tension building throughout the read. Nicely done! John
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/21/2017 9:34:00 AM
John, thank you for your insightful comment and your wonderful visit. I so appreciate your kindness for sharing your treasured thoughts.. Warmest regards always ~Susan
Date: 11/21/2017 3:49:00 AM
Riveting read, Susan! You kept me reading in suspense till the end even though I knew what the end would be. Vivid and gripping, and perfect pacing too. Wonderful! :)
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/21/2017 9:37:00 AM
Bernard, I'm so thrilled you enjoyed my poem! Thank you for sharing your precious thoughts with me. Your lovely visit and cherished comment are received with an appreciative heart my friend.. My warmest regards always! ~Susan
Date: 11/20/2017 9:52:00 PM
Next the movie...brilliant write Susan...keep up the pace soldier lol...god bless...^WW^
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/20/2017 9:59:00 PM
Winged Warrior, thank you for your shining visit and and wonderful comment. Your presence on my poetry page is always inspiring and your kind words are received with a glad heart :) Your tribute to Akkina was brilliant my friend, I so enjoyed it.
Date: 11/20/2017 8:37:00 PM
Wow!!!! This is so powerful Susan! You've so perfectly described the last moments of this rebels life that I feel as if I'm there with him. Really amazing write! ~ Judy
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/20/2017 9:18:00 PM
Judy, thank you so much for your enthusiastic response to my poem. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Your graceful presence is always such a delight and I appreciate you sharing your treasured thoughts with me this evening! ~Susan
Date: 11/20/2017 8:07:00 PM
That must have been very colorful dream, great write!
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Susan Ashley
Date: 11/20/2017 8:09:00 PM
Thank you arthur! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. Your wonderful comment is greatly appreciated.. ~Susan

Book: Reflection on the Important Things