General Poetry posted April 10, 2024


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A glimpse into ancient Egypt

The Streets of Giza

by Videl Sky

Free Verse Poem Contest Winner 
My parents wept when I was born
“Another mouth to feed”, “a nuisance”
“A fussy child” – “always crying”
Rotten bread and sour milk didn’t sit
Quite right with me at that age, I suppose
 
At age three I started to work
 
Hot sands were unforgiving to soft skin
Quickly I learned not to stumble, or fall
No one would lift me from the ground
Lest they help and risk the whip
 
Hear our cries echo
 
The heavy yoke on my shoulders
A wood-carved collar scraping my skin
Wounds blistering in the desert sun
Growing muscles protesting the abuse
 
Why, God - My God?
 
I watch a boy being dragged to the stake
Blood dripping from his little fingers’ nail.
My head turned forward; my feet kept marching.
My face did not betray my heart’s screams.
 

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Writing Prompt
Create a free verse poem. The topic is open. Enjoy the freedom of this form of poetry.
Free Verse Poem
Contest Winner


The phrases in between stanzas were originally written in Hebrew, but the format turned wonky when I pasted it. Because of this, I changed it to English.
I took inspiration for this poem from the movie, 'The Prince of Egypt.'

Photo is: Slave brick-makers, depicted in the tomb of the vizier Rekmire, c. 1450 BCE.
Pays one point and 2 member cents.


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© Copyright 2024. Videl Sky All rights reserved.
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