Poem for Roy Bennett

Poem written for Roy Bennett – prisoner of conscience incarcerated in Zimbabwe

Lunar Rainbow Promise

When through the cell bars the moonbeam fingers come,
To dance in shaded yellow blue white transparency
On the darkness of the dirty walls
And the moaning of men has given way to restless mutterings -
This silent time, alone, a merciful escape from the heated toil of the day,
Brief respite from shackled injustice.
An uneasy quiet settles, where the mosquito’s hum
Becomes a symbol of self-determination droning on defiantly,
Far beyond the command of men.
In that moment, I will come and be with you
Sit beside you on the sparse floor
To share your space,
Cramped though it is,
To gently embrace your weariness
Remind you -
My kingdom is greater than this earthly span.
Another day is spent – one solid step towards liberty.
Hold to the dream,
Be strong in the truth,
For my hand is raised to protect you through voices raised in protest.
A trial by fire for a perfect vessel
To bear testimony for those who cannot speak
Long since forgotten in the place where you are.
You are my witness for them.
The moon is my messenger, my ethereal angel.
Reaching in beyond the confines,
To heal your heart and mind.
Her gentle light is your lunar rainbow promise,
Alone in this time, you are not.
Freedom is the right of the just.
None can shackle your spirit, when you rest in me.