An Unknown Martyr
Above my head the raucous roaring crowd, Beneath my feet the dusty floor, the dark And stifling tunnel. Fear assails my heart: The moments, seconds, minutes, seem as hours. Unflinching as my credo rang before, Now doubt surrounds me in this darkness dim: Fettered, flanked by fear, forgot by men, Torment, death, await me past the door. A crack, a shaft of blinding light springs forth, By chains I'm pulled and fastened in the sand, Hear growl of beasts amidst bloodthirsty mirth And throbbing drums, half-blind, I blinking stand With courage new-kindled in the blazing light, And homeward cast my failing mortal sight.