The Test of Time

I stand here the noose around my scruffy neck
can’t stand it anymore time has arrested and
the hangman had to answer just another call

Have done no wrong stood firm in the face
of interrogation did not mumble a single word
have merely voiced my point of view dissented

The fading sun is blood red on the horizon
like the revolution waiting for a song of change
no blindfold please and get it over and done with

But the executioner is so busy at the gallows
the bottom does not drop for one final shout
to squeeze from my throat in firm conviction

I stamp on the floor but the fall lies in waiting
the last supper now merely a distant memory
but should I not look forward when passing on

Finally there is movement as the scaffold trembles
snapped crumbled crunched to pieces the sky recedes 
yet there is no silence but can I dream when dead

Shaking with tremor the ground opens up in justice
it was not my fault but the earthquake came in time
and the rope guides me from underneath the rubble

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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Date: 10/11/2018 3:08:00 AM
Wow...this is impressive Kai. Wonderful!
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Kai Michael Neumann
Date: 10/11/2018 8:08:00 AM
Thank you Connie.
Date: 10/9/2018 8:49:00 AM
You have meticulously and impressively let your reader feel the weight of time when in distress.. a great rendition in a poetic fiction! My deepest regards. Be blessed always.
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Kai Michael Neumann
Date: 10/11/2018 1:18:00 AM
Thank you for liking my poem. It is sooo interesting, that you and other commentators thought about the depression or distress. And I write about it a lot. This time I thought much more of the unexpected and gallows humour. But I love it that my depressive tendencies shine through. Thank you again.
Date: 10/8/2018 1:00:00 PM
- Life fluctuates naturally and in periods it's common to feel depressed and sad - Absolutely everybody has periods in life where things are harder than usual - A deep poem, great written Kai - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Kai Michael Neumann
Date: 10/11/2018 1:25:00 AM
Thank you Anne-Liese. I was just trying to be funny with this poem and wanting to write about the unexpected. But I love it when the reader takes their own meaning and I suppose I have quite a bit of experience with depression both professionally and personally. Thank you again, Kai
Date: 10/8/2018 8:07:00 AM
Chilling as the final moments build up to the surprise ending; well penned. I also hope it is fiction.
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Kai Michael Neumann
Date: 10/8/2018 8:51:00 AM
Pure fiction, but thank you for considering. Just a bit of gallows humour.
Date: 10/8/2018 7:48:00 AM
I hope you are doing well and that this powerful write is pure fiction, Kai:)
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Kai Michael Neumann
Date: 10/8/2018 8:52:00 AM
Thank you Jo. Pure fiction indeed. I have conquered my demons and they give me strength. And sometimes 'weird' humour.
Date: 10/8/2018 2:44:00 AM
Very powerful write, I find it so sad those who find themselves facing death in such away , with no cause, is so sad!!
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Kai Michael Neumann
Date: 10/8/2018 8:56:00 AM
Thank you Arthur. I really do not know how I arrived from the contest trigger (I stand here) to the gallows. Maybe it is just knowing that there can be a lucky escape.
Date: 10/7/2018 3:12:00 PM
very enigmatic and well written... it's not yet your time, i suppose, kai... huggs
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Kai Michael Neumann
Date: 10/8/2018 8:58:00 AM
The poem is pure fiction, but it may well serve as a parable. Very much alive and kicking and soon moving from South Africa to Spain...Kind wishes, Kai
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