Rest
Turmoil, stress, forced labor
At the threat of starvation
Or oppressive violence
A gun in the back
Stealing years from existence
For no reason
But the enrichment of the wealthy
Punishment for normality
Every day a race
Every day a struggle
Pushing onward always
Til muscles tear from bone
Temples throb in anger
Over the helplessness of it all
Every goal forced
In trivial production
Finally, day’s end
My head hits the pillow
Worn flat over decades
Of sweat from the brow
Poured forth to stain the sheets
That cannot be cleansed by washing
The filth cannot be removed
When it is ages old
Rest…can I have rest?
--
In the end, after all is done
I will lie down one final time
Not of my choice
Not in my control
But a parting gift
For my leaving this ugly world behind
I will receive my rest
Permanent and full
My dreams will vanish
And I will meet eternity…in rest.