Gallows Tree

a poem by Vikash

The city noises begin to fade way
As twilight swiftly approaches.
The warmth begins to leave
This room, leaving me alone
With my thoughts.
My heart begins to beat faster,
The moisture leaves my mouth
And my hands shiver
As I look down
At the gallows tree.

Overlooking the courtyard
I can barely see the activity
That a few moments ago
Filled the square.
A sharp piercing sensation
Slithers up my spine
Raising the hairs on my body,
Causing me to shiver
As the coldness of the night
Soundlessly slips under my skin.

The guard rattles the bars
And laughs.
“Eat or starve,
It won’t make a difference!”
I look down at the cold muck like meal
And I wonder why do they bother
Feeding me tonight.
I wrap myself in the worn-out blanket
That has been my only companion
For these past years.

I gaze out,
Towards the heavens.
I have no questions to ask God,
I have no prayers left to utter.
There is no remorse,
No repentance left in me.
I have a few hours left
And the only thought in my mind
Is me,
Swinging from the gallows tree.