Rendition

Awakened in a far off country

A country with stone floors, veined and worn,

Born again out of the blood dark sea

Nothing betrayed, signed off on, or sworn.

Enfogged in a far off country

Merged in a nightmare’s mechanism

Faith forgotten and senses airy,

Swimming silence to a steady thrum.

Imprisoned in a far off country

Waiting for the arch inquisitor

To come, the turn of the correct key,

The screech, the frantic screech of the door.

Caressed in a far off country

Each day explained; existence revives

To a calm voice, a singular plea.

Needs must, they say, when the devil drives.

--Dennis Daly