THE GOLD THAT NEVER CAME FROM THE GROUND

Dreams torn asunder by fate,
an expedition that brought tears
instead
of smiles.
We can hear you screaming from the
pit,
we can see you begging for mercy
asking God to reverse the horrible
scene.
We can see you holding on each other
tight
saying out prayers to the Gods in
unison
We can hear the echo of your final
scream
for help
before death crept on you .

The children weeped continously,
the women cried the loudest
and even men could not hide the tears
triggered by the memories of a warrior
who died a horrible death.
It is to you the begining
of a life we dread of
and to us a loss that can never be
compansated.

Some fainted,
some went mad for a while in
disbelief.
Some found it difficulty to believe
until their calls were answered by a
total
stranger
with a melancholous voice confirming
to
the horrible news;
'I am sorry the owner is no more
he got trapped in a mine.'

(may their souls rest in peace)

By Edward Dzonze (Zimbabwe)

Picture source: Lisa Kristine: Photos that bear witness to modern slavery