by Janine Phillips
it started with a noose around my neck
and shackled wrists.
i cried out for God
and Goddess appeared.
Like a child in a nightmare
calling for her father
Mother comes a kneeling
cradles me in her arms.
at night the fires raged
my dreams burned with fear
my father would come running
my mother always near.
my memory would falter
images turned to ash
they’d kiss my fevered brow
and sleep would come at last.
it started with a feeling oh so strong
why am i here
in this place i don’t belong?
Janina Grey 