Red Hill

Born in a cage Saved by the shackles on his mother's own wrists Sent into squalor To survive amongst the vicious and the sick His fate, like so many Underscored by the grinding of machines In shadows, to escape starvation Up until the day he was returned to the cage He was condemned Marked as a thief Handed his fate A cold gift of chains But from atop a red hill Shone a faint glimmer of hope “Can we make a man of you?” Salvation within reach Put back to work But for the first time... for himself With axe and spade in hand Slowly learning to stand on his own He was redeemed Growing his strength Offered his fate Life free of chains Descending from the red hill An inner peace unfolding To journey forth and prosper And leave the past behind He looked out upon a new country Visions of a life unveiled Reflecting on the kindness of strangers And what he had attained

Submitted by Cyberwaste — Apr 26, 2025