February 28th
So, here we are. This is the end - as the beautiful Mr Morrison sang - and continues to do. The final February Femmes Fatales showcase piece.
I chose this carefully, and yes it's poetry rather than fiction. But Arbeit Macht Frei by A.J. Humpage is remarkable. I confess I've bigged Ally up throughout this showcase, but it's not without warrant. All contributors to, and readers of my weekly Friday Prediction will know how capable she is of scaring the human hell out of us. She sees the horror in mankind, and throws it in our faces - deal with it.
Arbeit Macht Frei upsets and distresses, confuses and hurts. It is a brilliant work that forces us to address inequality. Please do read it. And thank you, Ally for contributing this disturbing, and so well crafted poem.
Arbeit Macht Frei By A J Humpage
Hopeless voices
Entangled branches
Deep wine coloured leaves
Cold breath dancing
In frozen streams.
Slung back rifles, relaxed
And the satisfied stench
Of smiles etched cold
In ribbons of smoke
Stark against the haze.
Hoisted skirts, akimbo legs
Semen stains to soil the skin
Bare breasts like trophies
Chilled to the touch
And wretched in death.
Eyes wide open
But blood still warm
Captured by the camera
Dignity stolen
By the men of war.
Star of David sewn on the arm
But the smile is gone
Clouds fill with spite
The fires burn bright
Day and night.
Their ghostly faces
Shine; frozen in fright
Stilled, fooled hearts
Peace in death
At a price.
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Bio: A J Humpage has stories published in many anthologies like 6 Sentences, Pill Hill Press, Static Movement and many e-zines. She also writes articles and dispenses writing advice at http://allwritefictionadvice.blogspot.com. She has completed her first novel and some of her stories and poetry can be found at http://ajhumpage.blogspot.com.
