Refectory Of Rogues…rue Of The Remorseful, International Day In Support Of Victims Of Torture 26 June Poem by saadat tahir

Adorn I galleries a monstrous rogue.
Brazenly did that dictated vogue.

Haven’t I breathed in saintly hearts?
And avulsed to bits my kindred parts.

Haven’t I carried the burden of thorns?
Sent many to swords far from morns.

Haven’t I reflected in mirrors adorned?
With derision spurned what bemoaned.

I; with these eyes, have wonders done.
And gouged them out just for fun.

I; for others, have hungry slept.
And gutted children as they wept.

My smiles had people tomes write.
The weak and infirm consumed trite.

Invented all that comforts lives.
bonding chains, shackles, knives!

Led I the world to dizzying heights.
Lucifer’s dance at Abu-Gharib plights.

Painted isles beyond barren beech.
Yet spoken truth made far to reach.

At chop and block of medieval times,
bare beheld once throbbing rhymes.

Worlds apart to the Andean flutes,
Gruesome dance by skeletal lutes.

Wasted lives in desolate huts.
Rapt in games of flesh and guts.

Pulled up nails, impaled by shoots.
yells and screams, just two hoots.

I am man, unique to mortals sent.
I have my back with burdens bent.

I am man, in my baffling mind.
Are closeted tales for all man kind.

(Islamabad)
(June 24,2009)


The UN G Assembly in 1997, on the recommendation of the Economic and social Council (decision 1997/251) , proclaimed 26 June United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (A/RES/52/149 of 12 December) . The Day aims at the eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the 1984 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which entered into force on 26 June 1987.