Dark nights, dark knights

I willed my heart to stop beating

my lungs to stop breathing

my ears to stop listening

my eyes to stop seeing

my skin to stop feeling

my mind to clear these thoughts

and my hands to stop trembling.

For my tears had run dry

my sorrow reached its end

my spirit was low

and my will to live was gone.

I wanted my soul to return to its maker

that He takes the breathe bestowed upon me.

Death became my closest companion

as life became my sworn enemy.

They say life is a blessing

but living here was a curse.

My time had come

and I had served my purpose.

I willed myself to die.

I closed my eyes and covered my ears

didn’t want to hear the screams in the distance

see the burning flames through the cracks on my bedroom wall.

I prayed that they would not reach my village

my parents bodies still fresh in their graves

theirs souls not yet in peace.

I saw my sister trembling in the corner

a mist of fog enveloped the night.

Dogs barked

owls howled in the night.

I could hear them approaching

chanting war songs

baying for blood like vampires.

My legs failed me

and I remained immobile

you can never run from darkness.

As their vehicles approached our house

I closed my eyes and fell on my knees

and slowly heard each car pass my homestead...