The Wooden Platform

I awake,

the pain of cold metal digging into my wrists.

As I open my eyes, I am blinded

by the light of the outside world.

Gruff hands seize my arms,

dragging me out of my cell,

the cell that had been my home

for so long.

What day is it? I ask my captor.

He doesn't respond, just tugs me along.

Today's the day, isn't it?

Before the man even replies, I know I'm right.

As he nods, tears stream down my cheeks

as I digest this dreadful,

dreadful news.

The silent man pushes me out,

out into the daytime.

How I had dreamed of leaving that dreaded place,

not knowing it would be in such

dire circumstances.

They lead me up onto the wooden platform,

a stage to show spectators death.

They force me onto a big barrel,

wrap a long, fraying rope round my neck.

A long listing of crimes,

none which I have committed.

Have you any last words, murderer? someone calls out.

Just one, sir. Innocence. I whisper back.

I close my eyes, strangely calm,

as the lever is pulled

and the platform

falls.