Year 2022 Poem by Max Myre

walking through the corridors of power
my heart wanted to leap from my chest

the utility stairs thundered
it was over, I thought

I continued all the way to the top
the red leaf was just a few meters above me

I was atop the Peace Tower
right above the slavers, cheaters and warmongers

without hesitation I dropped it
the immense parchment unrolled

on it, a vile word
followed by the crowned bitch’s head

I waited there, knowing my fate
they came up, took me, and brought me down

they beat me, tortured me for hours
isolating me, humiliating me

In my head, I was responsible
at my trial, I was guilty

for them, I incited hate
I was, because of the law, a terrorist

they put me in jail, a peaceful man
amongst the violence

lights out! I am alone
afraid, but bearing no regrets

along comes the guard
he stops and looks at me

he stands there silent
I brace myself

‘I am Irish’, he said
‘you are safe here’